Golden State Warriors Find New Confidence with Jimmy Butler III
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 III. 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. “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 the team has been missing. With Stephen Curry scoring 27 points and hitting two crucial fourth-quarter 3-pointers, Butler’s presence has been a game-changer in tight situations.
Butler’s performance against the Rockets was impressive, with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. When the Warriors saw their 24-point lead shrink to 91-89 with 6:03 left, Butler returned to the court at the 4:42 mark, helping the team go on a 9-2 run by scoring 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 highlighted the significance of Butler’s presence, especially considering the Warriors’ challenging schedule. After arriving at their hotel around 3:30 a.m. following the loss in Dallas, the team nearly let a 24-point lead slip away against the Rockets. “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 have plenty to be excited about. With Butler’s arrival, the Warriors are not just looking to make a playoff push but to redefine their season entirely. The belief in the locker room is palpable, and as Green and Kerr have noted, Butler’s influence is already making waves. The Warriors are poised to make a significant impact in the second half of the season, and with Butler on their side, the sky’s the limit.
Originally Written by: Ohm Youngmisuk
