In nearly 1,000 possessions prior to the playoffs, Golden State had a plus-12.8 net rating when Butler was on the floor without Curry. In those same non-Curry minutes, Butler averaged 24.9 points and 7.6 assists per 75 possessions, with a 63.7 true shooting percentage.

The Golden State Warriors had one pathway, and one pathway alone, to staying in their second-round series vs. Minnesota long enough for Stephen Curry to get back with a realistic chance to make a difference: Jimmy Butler had to step out of this so-called Robin role that he has so enthusiastically embraced and actually put his Batman suit back on.

Steph Curry was already listed as out on the team's injury report before Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr delivered some brutal news.