Steve Kerr is praising the impact of Jimmy Butler, whose presence has helped elevate the Golden State Warriors’ play since his arrival.
“He just connects the game for the rest of the guys. And we’re getting much better looks because of Jimmy’s presence,” Kerr said following the Warriors’ 132-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
Butler, 35, has been a game-changer for Golden State, contributing 21.3 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in his five appearances with the team. Since Butler’s debut, the Warriors are 4-1, including a dominant win over Sacramento, which has significantly boosted the team’s playoff hopes.
The Warriors overwhelmed the Kings, with Buddy Hield and Moses Moody leading the charge, both scoring 22 points. Brandin Podziemski added 21 points, and Stephen Curry finished with 20. Golden State shot 54% from the field, including 11-of-23 from three-point range in the first half, to take a commanding 68-53 lead into the break.
Butler’s presence on the floor has been a major factor in the Warriors’ offensive efficiency. Kerr emphasized how Butler’s ability to connect with the team and make the game easier for his teammates has resulted in much higher-quality scoring chances.
As Golden State pushes toward a higher seeding in the Western Conference, Butler’s impact on the Warriors’ offensive flow has been undeniable. The team has been averaging a more fluid and efficient offense since he joined, especially in the absence of De’Aaron Fox, who was traded by the Kings in a move that has led to some defensive struggles.
Golden State’s victory over Sacramento also highlighted the team’s improved ball control. After turning the ball over 19 and 22 times in previous matchups with the Kings, the Warriors limited their mistakes to just 12 turnovers, a critical adjustment in securing the win.
Kerr has often spoken about Butler’s ability to elevate his teammates’ play, not just with his scoring, but with his court vision and ability to orchestrate offensive sets. The results are clear: the Warriors are thriving in their recent stretch, shooting with high efficiency and playing with greater cohesion.
Since Butler’s addition to the roster, Golden State has taken advantage of his leadership, with both Curry and other key players thriving in the new offensive system. The team now sits at 29-27, just above .500 for the first time since December, as they continue to build chemistry with their new star.
As the Warriors continue to gel with Butler in the mix, their path to the postseason looks promising. Butler’s playmaking, leadership, and versatility have already proven to be crucial assets to the team’s success.
