Jimmy Butler’s extended time with Golden State’s reserves has become a catalyst for the club’s 8-3 record over its last 11 outings. Head coach Steve Kerr recently shifted the rotation to pair Butler with bench players more often, and that lineup has consistently outscored opponents when Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are resting.
The latest example surfaced Friday night, when Butler and four substitutes delivered a 13-0 third-quarter burst that broke a tie with the Sacramento Kings. “The way he controls the game is elite,” guard DeAnthony Melton said, noting Butler’s ability to read cuts, find preferred spots and create either points or fouls. “Sometimes it’s just about not being in his way and being ready to shoot when two defenders collapse.”
Kerr added that Butler shows more aggressiveness with the second unit, while Butler described the approach as “getting the ball where it’s supposed to go.” Curry praised the veteran’s floor leadership, calling the stylistic shift “drastic” yet effective because Butler pressures defenses even when he isn’t the shooter.
Green’s Turnovers Addressed
Kerr told reporters he recently spoke with Draymond Green about curbing his turnover rate. Although the coach still trusts Green to initiate offense, he wants the forward to take fewer risks. “The league feasts on those turnovers,” Green said, adding that he is now trying to be more selective with his passes.
Podcast Comment on Porter
On his personal podcast, Green complimented high-scoring Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. and remarked that it will be “interesting to see what Brooklyn does with him over the next nine days.”
Melton, Horford Provide Stability
Consistent playing time for Melton and Al Horford—both healthy after earlier absences—has also steadied the Warriors’ rotation, Kerr told NBC Sports Bay Area. “We’re in a good groove with our rotation,” he said. “Having Melt and Al both healthy and playing well feels like the version of the team we expected when we signed those guys over the summer.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
