As a result of they’ve rated second defensively (108.6 factors per possessions) since Butler’s first recreation in royal blue and gold, the Warriors are poised to reply Tuesday in Miami as long as they defend with extra effort and cohesion. Kerr is anticipating a “nice ambiance. You lose a recreation like this, you’ve acquired to reply, particularly with the place we’re within the playoff image.” Butler starred five-plus seasons for Miami and twice led the Warmth to the NBA Finals. His midseason commerce request, granted final month, revitalized Golden State’s once-wayward season. Inexperienced stated “it’s an enormous recreation” for Butler and Warriors-turned-Warmth wing Andrew Wiggins. “Similar to we wish to win for Jimmy, they wish to win for Wiggs,” Inexperienced stated. “We’ve acquired to come back out able to play.” Butler stated the matchup is “going to be one other recreation for me. One other recreation we’re anticipated to win, for positive so we’ve acquired to determine it out and determine it out in a short time. … It doesn’t make any distinction (how I’m obtained). I’m a member of the Golden State Warriors. I really like that fan base … however I’m there to win now. I’m on the opposing crew.” -via San Francisco Chronicle / March 23, 2025
