Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob defended Jimmy Butler in his response to a frustrated fan's email that was leaked in recent days, with those sentiments vindicated by a fiery on-court answer from the 6x All-Star during Thursday's heart-breaking loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Butler had drawn criticism for his lack of aggression in recent times, having taken 31 field-goal attempts over the last three games. The veteran forward silenced some of that noise, proving the only real source of offense in an otherwise lacklustre performance from the visitors on that side of the ball.
Jimmy Butler vindicated Joe Lacob's comments despite the loss
Butler started the game with a couple of successful drives against Phoenix center Mark Williams, eventually finishing with 16 first-half points as Golden State took a seven-point lead.