The Golden State Warriors need Jimmy Butler at his best on Wednesday night.
It's the only way to prolong their season, trailing 3-1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals.
It's also the only way to potentially get Stephen Curry back on the court, with three days off before Sunday's potential Game 6.
Butler struggled mightily in Game 4, dealing with an apparent illness. He had 14 points but took just nine shots from the floor.
Steve Kerr thinks things will be better in Game 5.
“Jimmy was under the weather last night," Kerr said on Tuesday on 95.7 The Game. "He really was not feeling well and that definitely impacted him… Everyone knows who Jimmy is. He's one of the great playoff performers and I expect him to have a big game tomorrow."
MORE: Cavs, LeBron getting back together might solve everyone's problems
Butler had been much better in the narrow Game 3 loss. That night, he put up 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while being in attack mode the entire game.
The Warriors likely will come out with full intensity on Wednesday knowing that otherwise, their season could be over.
Butler needs to lead the charge, and Kerr thinks he will.
MORE NBA NEWS:
- Jayson Tatum's relationship with Kobe Bryant comes into focus after torn Achilles
- Tyrese Haliburton has best playoff start to a point guard career in NBA history
- 3 trades the Cavs could make to shake up their roster
- Cavaliers can take a lesson from Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Tyrese Maxey shares his thoughts on 76ers