More often than not, a shift in team mentality is what leads to dramatic comeback victories.
Saturday was no exception as the Warriors overcame a 24-point gap in the third quarter, securing a 132-111 win against the Chicago Bulls at United Center.
Jimmy Butler, who contributed 25 points and four assists in his first game for the Warriors, shed light on the team’s successful second-half approach.
“Get some stops,” Butler told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Bonta Hill, Chris Mullin and Festus Ezeli on “Warriors Postgame Live.”
“We all know whenever we can guard, get into the open floor [that] we’re definitely going to score enough points. We’re going to make enough shots. We just got to guard without fouling.”
Trailing 83-59 with just over eight minutes left in the third quarter against Chicago, the Warriors were in desperate need of solutions on both offense and defense.
Jimmy Butler, alongside Draymond Green, spearheaded the defensive effort, while Steph Curry delivered an unforgettable performance, scoring 22 points in the last eight-plus minutes of the quarter.
The 36-year-old guard ended the game with 34 points, shooting 10-of-19 from the field and 8-of-16 from three-point range. The Warriors outscored the Bulls 73-28 in the final 20-plus minutes of play.
Butler, who started for Golden State without any minute restrictions, brought a fresh level of energy to coach Steve Kerr’s strategies.
Although it’s just one game, the mindset displayed on Saturday suggests that the Warriors could become a formidable and resilient team.
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Butler showcased his skills in his debut for the Warriors on Saturday night, contributing 25 points with an impressive shooting performance, hitting 7 of 12 shots and 11 of 13 from the free-throw line.
The Warriors rallied from being down by 14 at halftime to defeat the Chicago Bulls 132-111. Stephen Curry, playing alongside his new teammate Butler for the first time, excelled, tallying 34 points, four rebounds, and six assists, including eight successful three-pointers.
“He’s like the exact opposite player of me which is kind of funny. I shot 16 three’s, he shot 1, he got to the line a lot, he’s dominating the paint, I’m dominating the outside, guys working around us, it has the potential to be really fun.” Curry said in the post-game press conference of Butler.. And Jimmy saw it the same way.
“They say opposites attract in life. I don’t think I could be a better complement to him and vice versa. They’re (the defense) not leaving him ever, probably two people. There’s so much space with everyone else, I get the easy job. It’s so great playing with someone like that.” Butler said in response to his new running-mate’s comments.
“You talk about killer. You talk about a lion that’s going for the kill every time. That’s who he is. I’m ready to be his teammate and ride along side him.” Butler told reporters.
The lion analogy wasn’t just about Butler. After the game, when head coach Steve Kerr was questioned about Butler, he responded with an answer that felt strikingly familiar.
“He’s a lion out there. He’s a force.” Kerr said.
Kerr continued, “It’s the swagger that he gives us. He gives confidence to the rest of the group including Steph and Draymond (Green) and that’s important.”
The combination of Butler, Curry, Green, and Kerr is set to steer the Warriors’ performance for the rest of the season. Saturday’s victory pushed the Warriors’ record back to an even .500 at 26-26. Currently on a seven-game road trip, they have four games left to play. Their next matchup is against the Milwaukee Bucks in Milwaukee on Monday.
