Golden State Warriors Find New Confidence with Jimmy Butler
HOUSTON — The Golden State Warriors are heading into the All-Star break with a renewed sense of optimism, thanks to the addition of Jimmy Butler to their roster. The Warriors have improved to 3-1 since acquiring Butler, following a 105-98 victory over the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Thursday.
Draymond Green, the Warriors’ power forward, couldn’t contain his excitement about Butler’s impact on the team. “He’s a franchise changer,” Green said. “He’s done that everywhere he’s gone and he is helping revitalize what we got here. The belief amongst this team, now that he’s arrived, as opposed to what it was before he got here, it’s night and day.”
Warriors coach Steve Kerr echoed Green’s sentiments, emphasizing Butler’s role as the finisher they’ve been desperately seeking. With Stephen Curry scoring 27 points and making two crucial fourth-quarter 3-pointers, Butler’s presence has provided much-needed support in tight games.
Butler’s performance against the Rockets was impressive, as he finished with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. When the Warriors saw their 24-point lead shrink to 91-89 with just over six minutes left, Butler re-entered the game at the 4:42 mark with the lead at four. The Warriors then went on a 9-2 run, with Butler contributing four points.
“Jimmy, he’s a real deal,” Kerr said. “I mean, just a complete basketball player, methodical, under control all the time, plays at his own pace, never turns it over, sees the game and then can get to the line frequently. Great closer, not in the traditional sense where he’s going to be Kevin Durant and make four straight midrange jumpers, but it’s more of a complete game. Get to the line, make the right pass, get somebody else an open look, get a defensive stop, get a rebound. He’s a fantastic player.”
Despite the positive momentum, Butler was still dwelling on the Warriors’ 111-107 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. “We should be 4-0,” Butler admitted. “I am not going to lie to you. I have been sick to my stomach because of it since I got here. But we are going to figure it out. We are going to go streaking.”
Green acknowledged the challenges the team faced, especially after arriving at their hotel around 3:30 in the morning following the loss in Dallas. The Warriors nearly let a 24-point lead slip away, but Green credited Butler’s presence for turning the tide. “We let one get away last night, but this one tonight, we would’ve lost,” Green said. “But just having a guy like that changes everything for us. So after four games … the assessment [on Butler] is, it’s great.”
- Warriors’ record since acquiring Butler: 3-1
- Butler’s stats against the Rockets: 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
- Stephen Curry’s contribution: 27 points, two key 3-pointers
As the Warriors head into the All-Star break, the team and its fans are hopeful that Butler’s influence will continue to propel them forward. With his ability to close games and provide a steady presence on the court, Butler is proving to be the missing piece the Warriors have been searching for.
Originally Written by: Ohm Youngmisuk
