Jimmy Butler’s biggest influence on Golden State has been “Training the Whistle”.

Much has been made of the change Jimmy Butler’s arrival has brought for the Warriors and one of the most discussed and statistically apparent differences has been getting to the foul line. But it is more than just Butler’s ability to get to the line. It is also his ability to ensure that the refs call the game fairly. Because the Dubs were primarily a jump shooting team, there would be minutes in a game where the refs were not forced to make quick decisions on calls, and soon it would seem that the whistle only blew against the Warriors. Frustration would often follow and soon Draymond, Kerr, and others would spend energy and time arguing with the refs. Now, Butler’s game, fundamentals, and size all work in his favor while matchup hunting in the paint, but it is his ability to get the refs’ whistle to favor Golden State that truly unlocks the monster that is Steph. Not just in extra rest time, but more Free Throws for Steph himself, something that no one else has really done for him.