Butler's legendary postseason persona is needed with Stephen Curry banged-up and fatigued down the home stretch of the regular season.

And three stats highlight the difference he has made: When Butler came to the Warriors, he changed his number to 10 and, in a social media post, praised some of the finest attacking playmakers in soccer history. The man called his shot. He’s playing like a true trequartista out there.

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone shares strong statement on Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler before matchup