What we learned as Steph sparks comeback win in Butler’s debut

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What we learned as Steph sparks comeback win in Butler’s debut originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

BOX SCORE

Somewhere behind the buildup surrounding Jimmy Butler’s return to NBA basketball on Saturday was an actual game that sent a message to the Warriors.

Butler can and will help, but any chance of cleaning up this oil spill of a season requires that all hands are on deck and contributing.

Beginning with Stephen Curry, who looked resuscitated while scoring 34 points to lead Golden State to a 132-111 victory over the Bulls at United Center in Chicago.

Curry was the team’s engine, but Butler was terrific, too, submitting 25 points and four assists in his Warriors debut. Quinten Post finished with 18 points, Brandin Podziemski had 16 and Buddy Hield put in 14.

Draymond Green was fantastic, coming up with 11 points, seven assists, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks to finish a team-best plus-27.

Here are three observations from a game won after the Warriors (26-26) staged a magnificent comeback, outscoring Chicago (22-31) 73-28 over the final 20-plus minutes:

The Butler Report

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Thursday that he planned to immediately install Butler into the starting lineup, and 90 minutes before added that there would be no restriction on his minutes.

The coach kept his word, and Butler did not disappoint in his first action since Jan. 21. He delivered his 25 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field, including 0 of 1 from deep and 11-of-13 from the free-throw line. He was plus-16 over 29 minutes.

It was Butler’s play in the paint that stood out. He was the one member of the team that attacked Chicago’s soft interior with regularity, which is how he accounted for almost half of Golden State’s 27 free throws.

Butler was comfortable in the halfcourt and transition, played solid defense and on several occasions provided guidance to his teammates – including Green.

Butler admitted he was exhausted at the end, but he’ll be a treat for Golden State if he can be this productive while not yet at his desired fitness level.

Nuclear Steph Returns

The Warriors jogged out of the locker room at…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/learned-steph-sparks-comeback-win-200427304.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2025-02-08 20:04:00

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