TITLE: Hield Steps Up After Late Butler Scratch, Lifts Warriors Past Hornets
SLUG: hield-sparks-warriors-after-butler-sidelined
CONTENT:
San Francisco, CA — An unexpected lineup change moments before tipoff turned into a boost for Golden State on Saturday night.
Veteran guard Buddy Hield, previously out of the Warriors’ regular rotation, was pressed into duty when Jimmy Butler was ruled out for personal reasons after being introduced as a starter at Chase Center. Hield responded with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 18 minutes, adding three rebounds, three blocks and two steals as the Warriors defeated the Charlotte Hornets.
Head coach Steve Kerr praised Hield’s attitude after the game. “He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever seen,” Kerr said, noting the 33-year-old’s energy even when he is not in the lineup.
Golden State’s depth filled in the gaps. Rookie Will Richard, who replaced Butler at small forward, finished with 11 points, six rebounds and five assists. De’Anthony Melton led all Warriors scorers with 24 points, while guard Brandin Podziemski added 16 points and seven assists.
The late scratch initially confused the crowd, as Butler was listed in the starting five during pregame introductions before disappearing to the locker room. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. informed Kerr that Butler’s absence was strictly personal and not injury-related.
The victory keeps Golden State trending upward as the season hits its midpoint, with recent bench contributions highlighting the roster’s flexibility.
Source: Hoops Wire
