The Golden State Warriors secured a vital 104-96 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans over the weekend. The win showcased Jimmy Butler’s prowess on the court, especially in the absence of superstar Stephen Curry. Butler contributed significantly with 24 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in 37 minutes.
Butler’s Impact on the Game
Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged Butler’s influential performance, highlighting his 14 free throw attempts and playmaking abilities. “We ran everything through him, and he delivered,” said Kerr. Butler’s ability to control the pace and make critical plays was instrumental for the Warriors.
Supporting Roles
Alongside Butler, Gary Payton II played a crucial role, scoring 19 points and setting a career high with 11 rebounds. Butler’s leadership was vital as the Warriors faced the upcoming challenge of playing against the defending NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Strategic Adjustments Without Curry
- The Warriors adjusted their game strategy, calling more structured plays.
- Draymond Green emphasized the need for quicker ball movement in Curry’s absence.
- Butler needed to adopt a more aggressive approach to fill the scoring void left by Curry.
Butler has always valued making the right basketball play. He recognizes the importance of offensive aggressiveness when necessary. “Sometimes I have to take shots, but I still want to play the right way,” Butler stated after the game.
Injury Concerns and Outlook
Despite a concerning fall during the game, where he encountered Pelicans guard Micah Peavy, Butler remained optimistic about his health. He humorously mentioned the extent of the injury and expressed confidence in being ready for the next matchup.
Reflecting on the team’s potential, Butler stated, “I think we got a special team. Let’s go out there and show that we can do something special come Tuesday.” With the challenges ahead, Butler’s performance will be crucial for the Warriors as they aim to maintain their winning momentum without Curry.
