Jimmy Butler impressed the Chicago crowd with a backdoor alley-oop dunk in the opening minute of his game, sparking familiar reactions. He later took control during a key run for Golden State while Stephen Curry was off the court. If his first game with the Warriors is any indication, it’s a great start.
Butler finished with 25 points and four assists in his debut, helping the Warriors defeat the Bulls 132-111 on Saturday night, following a trade from Miami after a difficult breakup with the Heat.
“He’s a lion out there,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
It was a particularly emotional night for Butler, as it marked one year since the death of his father. He wore a “Butler III” jersey as a tribute, and he intends to keep that name “forever and ever.”
This was Butler’s first game with Golden State in Chicago, the city where he spent his first six NBA seasons. He hadn’t played since January 2, after being suspended by the Heat multiple times. He admitted that he had lost his passion for the game during that period.
“I knew I was going somewhere, whether they were sending me to Flamengo down in Brazil,” Butler joked, referring to the Brazilian team he said he’d join after his NBA career. “But I’m glad that it is here. I am grateful to be able to play basketball for a top organization like this one.”
Now, Butler looks ahead to a fresh start with the Warriors. Both Butler and Golden State are seeking a championship: Butler hopes to win his first title after two NBA Finals appearances with Miami, while the Warriors aim to add another title to their existing four. Before the win over Chicago, the Warriors were 10th in the Western Conference with a 26-26 record.
“We need each other,” Kerr said.
Golden State made a significant move to acquire Butler, trading Andrew Wiggins to Miami and signing Butler to a two-year, $113 million contract extension. The Warriors view the investment as worthwhile because Butler is known for being one of the league’s best two-way players, always willing to do whatever it takes to win. The team believes Butler is the perfect complement to Curry.
“They say opposites attract in a lot of ways in life,” Butler said. “I don’t think I could be a better complement to him and vice versa. They’re not leaving him ever. Probably two people would never leave him. There’s so much space for everybody else. I get the easy job. I’m playing one-on-one or in so much space.”
Butler had a strong career with the Heat before his relationship with the team soured. He holds the franchise record for triple-doubles and ranks highly in points, rebounds, and assists. Known as “Playoff Jimmy,” he always showed up in big moments, ranking third on the Heat’s postseason scoring list.
“Timing is everything in this league,” Kerr said. “I think we’re getting Jimmy at the right time. His time in Miami expired. It ran out. You could feel it. They felt it, he felt it, so we’re getting him at a time that’s probably healthy for us and healthy for Jimmy.”
Butler hadn’t practiced with the Warriors prior to the game, and he didn’t participate in the morning shootaround because some of the trade details weren’t finalized. Kerr kept things simple for Butler’s debut, giving him just a few plays to run. Despite being tired, Butler still showed his trademark explosiveness.
He took charge in the fourth quarter during a critical 16-1 run, scoring the first seven points, including a three-point play off an alley-oop dunk. With Curry resting, Butler carried the team.
“The game is very, very simple here, and they make it so easy for me,” Butler said.
