San Francisco – As much as the Warriors have improved Since the acquisition of Jimmy Butler III Before the commercial deadline of February 6, they found ways to continue playing at a high level on these rare occasions where Butler is not in great shape.
Saturday’s victory against New York Knicks was a perfect example.
While Butler sprayed one of its most rough outings since trade (3 out of 11), Golden State has received significant contributions in the list 97-94 Victory Above the Knicks at Chase Center.
The essential – another victory of the Warriors – was primary in the mind of Butler in the locker room of Golden State after the match.
“So we win I don’t care about anything else,” said Butler. “I can say it until I am the color of the face. But as long as we win, I am straight.
“The game is simply simple. You just passed the ball to the open guy. When you are open, you turn it. Someone had a better blow, you let him pass. Everyone does it here and that is why we have stacked victories. »»
According to person, Stephen Curry was at the center of everything that went well for the Warriors against the Knicks. Curry cooked his way around 28 points at the top of the team with seven rebounds and five assists, but was less than five in a match that Golden State did not fully take control until the end.
Butler did not have a terrible game in any case (11 points, six rebounds, seven passes) but did not show the flashing or the firepower to which the Warriors fans have used in the past five weeks.
It barely intended.
Moses Moody scored 18 points and continued to play in his role as a starter after getting out of the bench during the first three months of the 2024-25 NBA season. Jonathan Kuminga collected 10 points in his second game after missing 31 games with an ankle injury. Gui Santos made his second career start and added five points and seven rebounds.
Steph’s solid support cast against the Knicks included more nights of the Yeoman type of Quinten Post (five points, six plates) and Gary Payton II (six points, four rebounds) and Kevon Looney (six points, four rebounds).
“He is still at the level of the superstar because even when he does not mark, he still creates for everyone,” said Draymond Green. “He draws double teams, he starts and made us open. I think he is still playing at a level of superstar because his presence is always at the level of the superstar. When it makes the right game and you get 18 (points) from (Moody), it compensates for part of this. Ten of JK out of the bench, we can live with that.
“But we all know that there will be games where we need him to go, and we know that he is more than capable and he will. What was huge for us is that always makes him the right game. Always make the right game. He gets easy looks. Do you know who gets guys easy looks? Superstars. “”
It is the essence of Butler.
Blessed as one of the NBA’s highest markers, its impact goes far beyond the boxscore. As Green pointed out, Golden State having butler in the range has a domino effect on the rest of the Warriors.
Most nights, butler’s shot is pure silk and it will set up points by dozens. However, when his shot does not fall, he always finds a way to have an impact.
Since he joined the Warriors, Butler has been limited to six points or less three times. His 11 points against the Knicks were his fourth lowest in a Warriors uniform.
Golden State has a 4-0 sheet in these games.
It is a very encouraging and promising sign for a team trying to maintain their grip on the slit n ° 6 of the Western Conference.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr called Butler a “connector” and Curry accepted.
“It is very good to stay under control, playing the right game,” said Curry. “You can say that he is not really trying to mark as much at the moment because he reads the defense, taking everything they give him. Having the ball in your hands is usually a good thing. »»
Make no mistake, Butler remains a marker above all, and he will do it when the need will need it. For the moment, he is happy to find his flow with the rest of the Golden State offensive.
“I am not only a marker. I can score when I want, ”said Butler. “I can pull the tightest shots if I wanted it and, nobody will ever say anything. I want to involve everyone. I want to put the guys in their place. When it’s mytime, you will know it’s my time. But until then, we will pass the ball to open, offer my guys sweaters, bring them out in transition, continue to win. “”
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