The Golden State Warriors losing their win streak wasn’t on the cards for many people today. They were taking on the Denver Nuggets without the Jokic-Murray punch. And with Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry on the roster, the Bay has beat tougher opponents. So it was a shock to see Denver push the Bay over the edge. It was a night where the Warriors lost their patience and their sights on winning the game.
One of the highlight moments from the game was in fact an argument. Butler, a determined competitor was trying it all to turn things around against the depleted Nuggets team. His nature compels Butler to fight against adversity. He wanted his teammates to do the same. The Warriors forward couldn’t sense that from Buddy Hield. So after the third quarter ended, he looked to confront the sharpshooter upon his hesitation to shoot the ball.
From the camera lens, it looked to be concerning. Jimmy Butler was arguing with his teammates. However, without openness and such tough conversations, building team camaraderie is going to be hard. So even though the former Heat star doesn’t remember what drove their interaction, he admits the team’s strong desire to win games is what led to the argument.
Feb 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) dribbles against the Charlotte Hornets in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
“Nothing, basketball trying to win. I honestly don’t even remember but whatever it was, it was towards winning. I mean got a lot of respect for Buddy. I just, I know whatever I saw, whatever we saw which probably in agreeance on it at that but it was all towards winning,” Jimmy Butler assured after the game.
Over the years, Butler has had such moments of challenging teammates. They may be perceived as negative. But his intention is to push those he goes to war with to do their best. Jimmy Butler or the Warriors wouldn’t be mad if Hield misses shots. Or they might as well but it becomes a certain outcome if the sharpshooter doesn’t even pull the trigger.
The Warriors exemplify team basketball as their motto. Bling trust exists in each guy that’s out on the floor. Jimmy Butler flourishes in a culture of openness and transparency. Hence, it’s not a surprise to see his integration into the Warriors.
A bigger problem looms over Steve Kerr
Hield started the year by shooting the lights out. However, his production has waned and his shooting has cooled off. In these exact moments, Kerr would be glad to have somebody encouraging him to shoot. A strong voice like Jimmy Butler’s could at least revive some confidence Hield might be lacking. In March, he’s only shooting 35% from three after all.
But while Butler may help Buddy Hield get past his shooting hurdles, there’s one problem Steve Kerr is struggling to solve even with Jimmy Butler. That is managing Stephen Curry‘s minutes. Going through a grueling schedule, Curry had an uncharacteristic showing against Denver. He compiled seven turnovers and only 20 points.
But a bad shooting night is excusable. Curry is also human after all. But Steve Kerr doesn’t think this was a bad shooting performance. He saw the two-time MVP look drained during the game.
“Steph looked tired tonight, and you could see it in some of those turnovers. He’s carrying a huge load for us, and we’ve been on this road trip with three games in four nights. He’s human—he’s not going to be at his peak every single night. Those four turnovers, a couple of them were just sloppy, not like him. I think he’s feeling it physically right now, and it showed,” the Warriors HC admitted.
The problem being a month away from the playoff could be a real brain teaser for the Golden State Warriors. They do hold the sixth seed, but the team doesn’t have the leverage to drop games. Kerr’s comments suggest rest will be around the corner for the veteran guard to avoid overworking him before the postseason.
But the decision needs to be wise. The Timberwolves and Clippers are waiting for the Warriors to make one wrong move so that they can turn up the pressure. If that happens, Kerr may not be able to manage Stephen Curry’s time on the floor in a way that gives him appropriate rest.
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