To its credit, it fought through the adversity behind a stout defensive showing and balanced offense with Buddy Hield (24 points and eight rebounds), Jimmy Butler (20 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and two steals) and Draymond Green (18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals) leading the way.

After the Warriors pulled off a grinding, somewhat ugly 99-88 win in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Timberwolves on Tuesday night, star forward Jimmy Butler was asked for a few thoughts about the victory.

The Warriors attacked the Wolves’ drop defense with Rudy Gobert by peppering Minnesota with 3-pointers, and shooting floaters. Draymond Green set the tone on the first possession when he went right at the Frenchman and floated in a teardrop.