Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Jimmy Butler was in full savage mode during Tuesday’s Western Conference 7-8 play-in matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Golden State Warriors star went viral for his ruthless treatment of rookie center Zach Edey. Grizzlies interim coach Tuomas Iisalo made the tactical decision to have the 7-foot-4 Edey defend Butler, likely banking on Butler’s limited three-point range allowing Edey to hang back in the paint. But the plan quickly backfired.
Butler relentlessly attacked Edey off the dribble, getting to his midrange spots or finishing at the rim with ease. He racked up a game-high 21 points in the first half alone—many of them with Edey helplessly trailing.
Adding insult to injury, Butler hit Edey with a “too small” gesture after scoring over him in the second quarter—an especially cold move given Edey is the tallest active player in the league and tied for the 10th tallest in NBA history.
Still, size didn’t matter in this case, as Butler had his way and powered Golden State to a 67-55 halftime lead. It was just the latest humbling moment for Edey in what’s been a tough rookie season against the Warriors.