Jimmy Butler Explains Impact of Draymond Green Fouling Out in Warriors' Loss to Wolves

Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler knew full well the cost of Draymond Green's exit after fouling out in Saturday's 102-97 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals.

"Obviously, he's one of the top defenders in the world," Butler told reporters after the game. "For sure the best defender on this squad. When he's out, it is just different. You don't got nobody back there that's quarterbacking the way that he does it, that can switch everything and that gets every loose ball and that can rebound."

Green received his fifth and sixth fouls in quick succession in the fourth quarter with Golden State trailing to two points.

The four-time All-Star was whistled for an offensive foul following a coach's challenge with 4:56 left in the game. Eighteen seconds later, he fouled the Timberwolves' Jaden McDaniels on a dunk attempt.

Green contributed little on offense. He scored two points on 1-of-4 shooting and dished out four assists. However, his defense was sorely missed over the final four-plus minutes as the Wolves kept Golden State at arm's reach.

The status of Warriors star Stephen Curry is still up in the air as he'll miss most or all of the series thanks to a hamstring strain. That's putting even more pressure on Green to be a tone-setter on the court.

As Game 3 showed, the 6'6" forward can have a big impact even if he's not filling out the box score.

When Green is on the bench, an already short-handed Warriors roster doesn't have the depth to match up with Minnesota.