Jimmy Butler believes Warriors found identity after wins over Bulls, Cavaliers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Jimmy Butler made a statement return from injury on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls, posting 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists while shooting 50 percent from the field in the Warriors’ 123-91 win.
Butler, who had missed the first two contests of a three-game East Coast road trip with a knee injury, was one of six Warriors players to score in double figures against the Bulls. His return to the lineup helped the team overcome the tough task of playing the second consecutive road game without Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
“A lot of guys played incredibly well tonight, everybody was comfortable,” Butler said praising Golden State’s short-handed offense in the locker room postgame. “The ball was moving in a major way, and amazing shots, it always helps.”
He further credited the incredible job Pat Spencer has done in Curry’s absence, adding to Steve Kerr’s NSFW postgame commentary after Saturday’s 99-94 underdog victory in Cleveland.
“I think we feel good. Pat has been hooping. I f—king love what I’ve seen from Pat…” Butler said.
The recent emergence of Spencer has trade rumors swirling about Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the organization, and De’Anthony Melton making his season debut in Philadelphia provides Steve Kerr with another option for the ever-changing starting lineup. Butler claimed that the Warriors are finally finding their identity despite using their 13th different starting lineup against the Bulls.
“I think we’re finally starting to figure out who we are, it’s never too early to do that, and never too late either. So, we just need to, you know, keep stringing these things together,” Butler said.
Player health is arguably the biggest obstacle the Warriors must overcome in order to keep their record above .500, and it is reported that Curry could potentially participate in team practice on Wednesday following his quad injury re-evaluation.
Taking two games out of three on the road without Curry seemed like an impossible venture itself, so having four days off to recover is crucial before hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday at Chase Center.
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