Jimmy Butler’s Golden State Warriors debut could not have gone much better. The six-time All-Star played a key role in the Warriors’ 132-111 victory over the Chicago Bulls, finishing with 25 points, four assists, and two rebounds.
While Stephen Curry stole the show with a 34-point explosion, Butler’s impact was evident, and he wasted no time in expressing just how much easier life is when sharing the court with the greatest shooter in NBA history.
After the game, Butler spoke about his seamless transition into the Warriors’ system and how playing alongside Curry creates an ideal environment for his game.
“They say opposites attract in a lot of ways in life, and I don’t think I could be a better complement to him and vice versa, in the sense that they’re not leaving him ever, probably two people would never leave him.”
“So there’s so much space for everybody else, and I get the easy job. I’m playing one-on-one, or playing with so much space. Everybody’s looking for him or looking to get him open, and at the same time he’s looking for everybody else. It’s so great to play with somebody like that.”
The contrast in playing styles between Curry and Butler makes for an intriguing dynamic. Curry is the deadliest perimeter scorer in NBA history, capable of stretching defenses beyond their limits with his deep-range shooting and off-ball movement. Butler, on the other hand, thrives in the mid-range, post-up game, and getting to the free-throw line.
Curry himself acknowledged the stark difference in their approaches:
“Whether he’s either getting to the line or finishing the paint, again, he draws attention. And so, if we’re decisive and organized, it’s hard to kind of take away everything. And I think the idea that he’s like the exact opposite player of me is just kind of funny.”
“I’m shooting 16 threes, he shot one. He got to the free throw line a lot. He dominated the paint, I dominated the perimeter. Guys working around us, it has the potential to be really fun.”
That contrast was on full display against the Bulls. While Curry torched Chicago’s defense with eight three-pointers, Butler lived at the free-throw line, going 11-for-13 from the stripe. His physicality, ability to get inside, and tough shot-making make him the perfect inside-outside complement to Curry.
The Warriors’ biggest weaknesses this season have been their lack of free-throw attempts and physicality. Golden State ranks 27th in free throws attempted and dead last in free-throw percentage.
Butler, a player who consistently ranks near the top of the league in both categories, is a major solution to that issue. Beyond his on-court production, Butler brings a competitive fire and toughness that the Warriors have lacked in recent years.
With Curry carrying the outside threat and Butler bringing physicality and inside scoring, the Warriors suddenly look more dangerous than they have all season.
Butler’s time with the Miami Heat ended in turmoil, as his relationship with Pat Riley soured, and he ultimately forced his way out at the trade deadline. Now, he finds himself in a completely new environment, playing for one of the most structured, successful franchises in NBA history.
His arrival immediately gives the Warriors a second star alongside Curry and reinvigorates a team that had been fighting just to stay in the playoff race. While Kevin Durant declined a return to Golden State, Butler is proving to be a perfect fit for a team that still has championship aspirations.
The Warriors improved to 26-26 with their victory over the Bulls, and with Butler in the fold, they could be on the rise in the Western Conference standings. Next up, they face a tough test against the Milwaukee Bucks, where Butler’s defensive tenacity and Curry’s shooting brilliance will be put to the test.
As Butler put it, playing with Stephen Curry makes things easier—and if their first game together is any indication, it could make things easier for the entire Warriors team.
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