NBA Playoffs 2018: 5 superstars that disappointed on opening weekend

#2 Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler guarding James Harden

Stat line: 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals

This wasn't Jimmy Butler's playoffs debut.

He himself mentioned in the postgame press conference that he needed to guard James Harden better. On that end of the floor, there's only so much he can do. Harden is such a talent that on his day, even if Butler is having his best defensive performance, he could drop 40 and win the game.

Where the Timberwolves needed Butler more was on the offensive end. He has been their on-court and emotional leader since essentially taking over the reigns of the on-court play over the new year. And on that end of the floor, he didn't deliver. He was off on his shooting and although he did record 3 assists, it was below his season average (4.9).

Late in games, unless there's a mismatch for Towns to exploit, Butler has to take control of the offense and eventually over the course of the game, it has to result in more than 13 points.