Anthony Edwards' Halftime Speech Sparks Third-Quarter Eruption as Timberwolves Seize 3-1 Series Lead
Trailing at halftime and struggling on the boards, the Minnesota Timberwolves found themselves in a precarious position against the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of their second-round series. With the team down and momentum slipping away, star guard Anthony Edwards delivered a halftime speech that refocused the group.
He reminded his teammates that despite their 2-1 series lead, the job was far from finished. Edwards’ message emphasized urgency and accountability, warning that their first-half performance would lead to a loss if it continued.
Edwards’ Leadership Ignites Historic Third-Quarter Surge and Dominant Timberwolves Defensive Stand
Inspired by Edwards’ leadership, the Timberwolves exploded in the third quarter, outscoring the Warriors 39-17—the largest point differential in a single quarter in franchise postseason history. Edwards himself poured in 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting in the quarter, nearly matching Golden State’s total.
The turnaround wasn’t just offensive; Minnesota’s defense also tightened up, holding the Warriors to 36.8% shooting and dominating the glass after being outrebounded badly in the first half.
Anthony Edwards’ Halftime Speech Sparks Third-Quarter Eruption as Timberwolves Seize 3-1 Series Lead
Head coach Chris Finch praised Anthony Edwards as the vocal leader who ignited the team’s shift in energy and execution. Teammate Julius Randle, who also had an impressive 31-point performance, recognized Edwards as the true catalyst behind the Timberwolves’ success.
Randle noted that while both he and Edwards play key roles, it’s the young guard’s presence and mindset that drive the team forward. Edwards’ leadership and all-around performance were crucial in helping Minnesota secure a 3-1 lead in the series.
Bench Brilliance and Defensive Intensity Propel Timberwolves Toward Potential Series-Clinching Game 5
While Edwards and Randle were the primary scorers, the Timberwolves received valuable contributions from their supporting cast. Jaden McDaniels pulled down a postseason career-high 13 rebounds and added 10 points.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker came off the bench with a perfect shooting night, scoring 13 points on 5-for-5 from the field. Meanwhile, the Wolves clamped down defensively, limiting Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to just nine combined second-half points after they had scored 27 in the first.
With a 3-1 series lead, Minnesota now returns home to Minneapolis for Game 5, where they’ll look to close out the series and advance to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year.
The team acknowledges the challenge ahead and knows that they must carry their third-quarter urgency into the full 48 minutes on Wednesday. As Alexander-Walker put it, the next win will be the hardest, and the Wolves will need to stay focused and hungry to finish the job.
Jimmy Butler Bet Pays Off as Warriors Upset Rockets and Rekindle Championship Hopes
Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob stood on the court after a hard-fought Game 7 win over the Houston Rockets, reflecting on the risk that transformed their season, acquiring Jimmy Butler. The move, originally seen as a gamble due to Butler’s turbulent past in Miami and Minnesota, proved to be a masterstroke.
The Warriors had flirted with playoff irrelevance, and Butler’s midseason arrival not only rejuvenated their roster but gave them a real shot at contention. Lacob credited GM Mike Dunleavy for pushing through the deal and acknowledged the wisdom of betting on Butler, declaring, “He’s worth every freaking penny.”
Veteran Warriors Validate Butler Gamble With Statement Win And Collective Playoff Brilliance
Had the Warriors failed to advance past the first round, the narrative around Butler’s addition would have been one of short-lived success. Though his Play-In heroics kept them from missing the postseason, the goal was to prove they were still a legitimate championship team.
By defeating the second-seeded Rockets as a No. 7 seed, Golden State solidified its standing as a serious threat. This vindicated Lacob’s decision to offer Butler a two-year, $121 million extension and suggested that the Warriors’ core, while aging, still had the ability to deliver at the highest level.
Jimmy Butler Bet Pays Off as Warriors Upset Rockets and Rekindle Championship Hopes
Game 7 wasn’t a one-man show. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, both 35, turned back the clock with savvy, high-IQ basketball. Curry dissected the Rockets’ zone defense while Green provided a defensive masterclass.
Buddy Hield, signed to compensate for Klay Thompson’s departure, exploded for 33 points with red-hot shooting. Butler, though not the statistical leader, contributed across the board with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. The collective performance highlighted how the Warriors’ blend of experience and calculated acquisitions still made them a playoff powerhouse.
With Aging Stars And Renewed Belief, Warriors Embrace Urgency In High-Stakes Playoff Run
The Warriors’ push to stay relevant goes beyond one series. With their stars deep into their 30s, there’s a growing sense of urgency. There are no more “next year” speeches—this is the window. Internally, the organization faced growing speculation about a possible teardown: Coach Steve Kerr linked to San Antonio, Draymond Green concerned about being traded, and Curry facing the twilight of his legendary career. Butler’s presence and playoff pedigree have steadied the ship, helping galvanize a veteran team that’s not ready to fade into the background just yet.
Jimmy Butler has found a renewed sense of purpose with the Warriors, crediting the team’s unity and professionalism for his smooth transition. His impact has been so profound that some, like Rick Carlisle, believe he’d be in the MVP race had he been in Golden State all season.
With the Rockets dispatched, the focus now shifts to the Minnesota Timberwolves—a younger, deeper, and more seasoned opponent. For Lacob and the Warriors, the mission is clear: “Four down, twelve to go.” The next chapter of this high-stakes run begins now.
Warriors Face Game 7 Pressure After Blowing 3-1 Lead, Curry and Butler Rally for Redemption
Just five days ago, the Golden State Warriors seemed poised to advance comfortably to the next round of the NBA playoffs. Following a thrilling 109-106 victory over the Houston Rockets at the Chase Center, they held a commanding 3-1 lead in the first-round series.
The midseason addition of Jimmy Butler looked to be paying off, adding firepower and leadership to a team already stacked with championship pedigree. At the time, only one win separated the Warriors from advancing, and it appeared inevitable.
Warriors Collapse Looms as Rockets Rally, Curry Urges Focus Before Game 7 Showdown
Since that pivotal win, the tide has turned dramatically. The Houston Rockets have stormed back into the series with back-to-back victories, pushing it to a decisive Game 7. Particularly in Game 5, the Rockets were so dominant that Warriors head coach Steve Kerr benched his starters midway through the third quarter, signaling a game that had slipped far out of reach. Now, Golden State finds itself facing uncomfortable comparisons to their infamous 2016 Finals collapse, when they let a 3-1 lead slip away against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Warriors Face Game 7 Pressure After Blowing 3-1 Lead, Curry and Butler Rally for Redemption
Warriors star Steph Curry addressed the gravity of the situation ahead of Game 7. Speaking candidly after Friday’s loss, Curry warned that a lack of focus could spell the end of their playoff run. “If you don’t show up with that appropriate mentality, then you’ve got a long vacation ahead of you,” he said, underscoring the team’s determination to keep their season alive. The Warriors are preparing not just for a game in Texas, but with hopes of moving on to Minnesota for the semifinals.
Belief vs. Breakdown: Butler’s Confidence Meets Warriors’ Crucial Test
Despite the recent setbacks, Jimmy Butler expressed strong optimism about the Warriors’ chances in the upcoming Game 7. Butler, who has experience in pressure-filled matchups, emphasized that the team’s belief in itself remains intact. “It’s not wavering. We know how good of a team we are,” he said. His leadership and poise could be a critical factor in helping Golden State rebound after two demoralizing losses.
Everything now hinges on Sunday’s Game 7 showdown. The winner will move on to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Semifinals. For Curry and the Warriors, it’s a chance to keep their championship hopes alive and avoid another historic collapse. A loss, however, would reignite questions about their ability to close out playoff series, casting a shadow over the team’s postseason narrative until next year.
Warriors Slip to Seventh After Spurs Loss, Now Facing Play-In Danger With Two Games Left
The Golden State Warriors suffered a major setback in their playoff hopes after a crushing loss to the San Antonio Spurs, capped by a late-game dagger from veteran Harrison Barnes. With a win, the Warriors would have climbed to the sixth seed in the Western Conference standings, giving them a slight edge over the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies. Instead, they dropped to seventh and are now at risk of slipping to eighth, significantly lowering their postseason outlook with just two games remaining in the regular season.
Warriors’ Defeat Alters Tiebreaker Advantage, Now Facing Tough Schedule and Play-in Risk
Despite holding key tiebreakers over both the Timberwolves and Grizzlies, the Warriors’ defeat now places them at a disadvantage in the standings. A three-way tie would have favored Golden State, but Wednesday’s loss pushes them behind the Grizzlies in the loss column and ties them with the Timberwolves.
This one game could have been the difference between securing a first-round home playoff series and being relegated to the uncertainty of the play-in tournament.
Warriors Slip to Seventh After Spurs Loss, Now Facing Play-In Danger With Two Games Left
Adding to the Warriors’ woes is the remaining schedule. While they still have a chance against the Trail Blazers, their final game is against the surging Los Angeles Clippers. In contrast, the Timberwolves face a much easier path, with matchups against the underperforming Nets and Jazz. Had the Warriors defeated the Spurs, they would have been in a much more favorable position and avoided a “must-win” situation in the final game against the Clippers.
Steph Curry Urges Focus as Warriors’ Playoff Destiny Slips From Their Control
Despite the tough situation, team leader Stephen Curry remains optimistic and focused. He emphasized the importance of professionalism and resilience as the team heads into its final two games. Curry encouraged his teammates to concentrate on the task at hand and prove their worth by winning out, reinforcing his belief that a good team takes care of business when it matters most.
The most painful realization for Warriors fans is that, even with two wins to close the season, the team’s playoff fate is no longer entirely in their control. Harrison Barnes’ clutch performance didn’t just derail his former team’s momentum — it also solidified playoff positioning for the Clippers and Nuggets, pushing them out of the play-in danger zone. As the dust settles, Golden State can only hope that things break their way in the standings while they focus on winning the last two games of the season.
Los Angeles Dodgers players celebrates in the 8th inning
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced they have accepted an invitation to visit the White House to celebrate their World Series victory.
The team will make the trip on April 7, a Monday, before playing the first game of a three-game series against the Washington Nationals. On April 8, members of the Dodgers will also visit Capitol Hill, the team confirmed.
“It wasn’t a formal conversation that we had as a ballclub,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts before Tuesday’s exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels. “It’s certainly a huge honor to get the invitation to the White House. It allows us to celebrate our 2024 championship. To my understanding, every World Series champion gets that honor, so it’s a great honor for all of us.”
The Dodgers’ White House visit is particularly significant because of a controversy surrounding a story about Jackie Robinson’s military service. The story was temporarily removed from the Department of Defense’s website last week as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to remove references to diversity, equity, and inclusion through a “digital content refresh.”
Robinson served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War II and then broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier when he debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. A statue honoring him stands in Dodger Stadium’s center-field plaza.
Even though the story about Robinson’s service does not mention DEI, it was among many others removed from government websites recently.
Roberts, who has often spoken about the importance of diversity in major league coaching and front office positions, said he was unaware of what happened with the Robinson story. After being informed by a reporter, he responded, “I think I’m happy that the page went back up. I have my strong opinions on DEI and all that stuff, but that’s another scrum.”
In 2019, near the end of Trump’s first presidency, Roberts mentioned in a Los Angeles Times profile that he would not visit the White House if the Dodgers won the World Series that year. When reminded of this on Tuesday, Roberts smiled and said, “Did I?”
“I’m going,” he added. “I respect the position. It’s the highest office in our country, certainly in the world, so, looking forward to it.”
Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after the win
The Dodgers visited the White House under Joe Biden’s presidency after winning the championship in the shortened 2020 season due to COVID-19. Four years later, on October 30, 2024, they secured their first full-season title since 1988 by beating the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series.
Trump was elected president about a week later. A couple of months after that, he clashed with local politicians and California Governor Gavin Newsom following wildfires that impacted parts of L.A. At one point, he threatened to withhold federal aid over disagreements about the region’s water management.
The Trump administration later passed an executive order to address water shortages and regulatory obstacles affecting disaster response in Southern California.
Dodgers chairman Mark Walter and part-owner Earvin “Magic” Johnson were chosen by Newsom to lead a project focused on supporting wildfire recovery and rebuilding efforts in L.A., pledging up to $100 million to help with the initiative.
Johnson has spoken out against Trump in recent years, but the Dodgers, through their X account, said on Tuesday they “look forward to visiting the White House and celebrating our title.”
The Golden State Warriors missed the playoffs in 2020 and 2021, but they made a strong comeback in 2022, defeating the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Steph Curry was 33 for most of that season, and Draymond Green and Klay Thompson were 31.
Their return to the top of basketball felt like it could be their final championship run. After that, however, their core faded once again: a second-round loss in 2023 and a failed play-in tournament attempt in 2024. Curry and his teammates, who had won four championships together, were aging like all athletes do.
Last year’s missed playoffs marked a turning point. Thompson left for the Dallas Mavericks in free agency. Curry and Green returned for their age-36 and age-34 seasons, but the Warriors, the ones who had won so many titles with Steve Kerr, seemed finished. It seemed like they had to be.
Or did they? The Warriors are now the hottest team in basketball as the playoffs near. They have 14 wins and 3 losses since February 13. This run started one week after they made a major trade with the Miami Heat, swapping Andrew Wiggins for Jimmy Butler.
The trade sent away Wiggins, a key player from their second championship core, and brought in Butler, a player who looks ready to join a new chapter with Curry and Steve Kerr.
When they made the Butler trade, the Warriors were tied for 10th in the Western Conference, looking like they’d be in the play-in again. Now, they’ve moved up to sixth place and are looking, at least for now, like a real title contender.
Jimmy Butler and Steve Kerr in the 1st half
The Butler trade marks a clear starting point for the turnaround
Butler hasn’t found his shooting rhythm yet; he’s made just 22.7% of his three-pointers as a Warrior and has had trouble scoring from all areas of the floor. However, Butler has five all-defensive team honors and is still an excellent defender at 35.
With him on the floor, the Warriors have allowed 107.6 points per 100 possessions, a defensive rating that would make them the best defensive team in the NBA if they kept those numbers consistently. (Without Butler, Golden State allows 113.1 points per 100 possessions.)
These numbers contrast sharply with those of Wiggins, who was arguably a negative for the team toward the end of his time in Golden State. This season, the Warriors have had a net rating 7.2 points better when Wiggins was off the floor than when he was on it. Butler has changed that, with Golden State performing 9.4 points better per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor than when he’s not.
Even though Butler hasn’t found his shooting form yet, he hasn’t hurt Golden State’s offense, which scores roughly the same when he’s on or off the court. Imagine how much more useful he’ll be once his shots start going in more often.
While Butler has been a great addition, what truly makes Golden State work hasn’t changed. Curry remains a standout player and has arguably been carrying more of the load than ever this year. His 32 minutes per game are a bit below his career average, which makes sense for a player who turned 37 this month.
But these minutes are intense, with Curry using up 30% of the Warriors’ offensive possessions, a higher rate than he did 10 years ago. Kerr gave him a night off last week and said his star point guard was “exhausted.”
Stephen Curry (NBA)
Managing Curry’s health going forward will be key to Golden State’s chances of making another deep playoff run
Curry took a hard fall on Thursday against Toronto and left the game with what the team called a pelvic contusion. While it doesn’t seem like Curry will miss much time, injuries are never minor for 37-year-olds trying to lead NBA teams to championships.
The 11-time All-Star has been playing with great energy in the second-to-last year of his contract (and possibly his career, though that depends on whether Curry decides to retire before a major decline).
Even though the Warriors have been on a strong run, they won’t really contend for another finals appearance unless they get significant offensive help from someone other than Curry. Some improvement in Butler’s shooting will help, but the Warriors’ offense is not well-stocked.
The only other regular player averaging more than 11.3 points per game is bench forward Jonathan Kuminga, who is having the least efficient shooting season of his four-year career. Other than Curry and Butler, it’s fair to say that Golden State doesn’t have any other above-average offensive players.
However, there is hope in the potential of Butler and Kuminga, both of whom get to the free-throw line a lot.
Can Golden State keep up their strong play from the last month and a half? The Warriors have something going here. The exciting part of the past few weeks has been seeing that the magic of the Curry-Kerr Warriors isn’t gone, even with Thompson now playing in Texas.
Green isn’t the player he once was, but he is still valuable, and the Warriors perform better when he’s on the court than when he’s not. When Green is the main defender within two feet of a shooter, those shooters make 38.1% of their shots – lower than they did against Green 10 years ago, during his prime.
Steve Kerr (NBA)
Kerr has been skilled at finding good role players to complete a roster
Even though Curry and his aging teammates take up most of the salary cap. This year has been no different, with the Warriors getting a lot of useful minutes from players who many basketball fans might not know.
The team has managed to stay competitive while giving minutes to bench power forward Gui Santos, the 55th overall pick in 2022, who spent two years averaging 14 points per game in the G-League. Guards Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, first-round picks in 2021 and 2023, have become important contributors off the bench in the past two years.
This young backcourt has been more helpful this year than Buddy Hield, the veteran shooting guard whose salary is much higher than theirs, but whose performance has not matched his pay.
The Warriors who won the title in 2022 did so by balancing Curry’s leadership with their future. Golden State is trying to do that again, and they may have just enough left to make it happen once more.
Curry will continue to be the driving force behind the franchise until he retires, but in recent years, Golden State hasn’t had enough pieces to make much happen. But now that Butler has joined the team, the Warriors – for the first time in three years – are impossible to ignore as we get closer to the spring.
As always, there’s a strong feeling that we might be watching this happen for the last time. However, with Curry, Butler, and Green all under contract next year, it might be time to stop assuming that the laws of gravity apply to Golden State.
Jimmy Butler had things to do, and he made sure everyone knew about it.
He had to leave a game quickly to teach a late-night dominoes lesson. But before leaving, he playfully teased teammate Buddy Hield: “Buddy, spell connector.”
Hield started, “Connect Four? Connector? … Connector, C-O-N,” and someone close by stepped in to help.
Butler yelled, “Aww, man, don’t help him! Exactly my point, y’all see that?”
Earlier, Hield had called Butler a “connector.”
Butler brushed off the compliment, saying, “Don’t listen to anything Buddy says, ever, he can’t even spell connector.”
Still, no one in the Warriors’ organization would argue that Butler has been a true connector since joining the team last month in a trade from Miami. He immediately helped improve the team once he put on his new uniform.
“He stabilized everything immediately,” said Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone after his team beat Golden State 114-105 on Monday.
Butler’s role will be even more important now as Stephen Curry recovers from a pelvic injury he sustained on Thursday night. Curry will miss the Warriors’ game against the Hawks on Saturday.
Any injury to Curry is a concern for Golden State, but Butler is excited to be part of the playoff push and to play alongside Curry and Draymond Green as they try for another championship.
“All the value just lies within winning as a whole,” Butler said recently. “I’m glad that I have the opportunity to be a part of the winning that we’re doing here. We’re just playing some incredible basketball, playing together on both sides of the floor, and it’s really fun.”
He recorded Golden State’s first triple-double of the season on March 10 against Portland, saying afterward, “You can’t get a triple-double without your teammates.”
Golden State Warriors players in the 2nd half
Curry admires Butler’s consistency
The Warriors won 14 of the first 15 games Butler played, which helped improve their position in the tough Western Conference. Since acquiring Butler, they are 16-3, and Curry is impressed with how quickly Butler became comfortable, fitting into a new system.
“None of us are going to get off on regular-season accomplishments,” Curry said. “We have to perform and put ourselves in playoff position to be a team that nobody wants to face and be a tough challenge no matter who the matchup is.
We’re building toward that. It’s pretty clear as day the difference in not just the record but how we’re playing, how we’re winning and his impact on the game.”
Curry admires Butler for being “super consistent, a professional, there’s been a lot of eyeballs on him all season, pre-trade, post-trade and all that, but I love the way he’s approached everything.”
So, how good is Butler’s dominoes game?
“Great, I’m probably the best in the world,” the 35-year-old forward said, noting he plays “every day, too many hours out of the day.”
In addition to the fun they’re having behind the scenes, Butler’s impact on both sides of the court has helped ease some of the pressure off Curry. The Warriors are doing well again, and general manager Mike Dunleavy is being praised for taking a risk on a big trade — one that sent high-scoring Andrew Wiggins to South Florida.
Kerr: Butler makes everyone better
Butler will play against Miami on Tuesday night in his return with Golden State. He is grabbing important offensive rebounds. He runs the point guard position and creates shots for everyone, taking his own shots when needed.
“Great basketball player. He does everything well, he sees the game, he’s strong, loves to pass, the game just flows when he’s out there,” coach Steve Kerr said. “And he feels it. Whatever the game calls for, Jimmy brings and he’s the main reason that things have turned for us.
He’s one of the best players in the league and he makes everybody else around him better.”
In January, Butler wasn’t happy in Miami and wanted a change — “I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball, wherever that may be,” he said — wanting to be a winner and make an impact.
Butler found his place out West.
Jimmy Butler and Gary Trent Jr. in the 2nd half
“He affects winning, and winning affects everything else,” guard Moses Moody said. “When we’re playing good it’s a lot easier to be cool off the court. He is who he is.
He has a big presence, he’s authentic to himself, so he does the candles, music, however he’s feeling whatever it is. He definitely has a presence in the locker room. He’s a real dude, and real dudes are contagious.”
And “Playoff Jimmy,” as he is known for his clutch performances in the playoffs, is doing everything to help Golden State improve their position as the season finishes.
“I think since Day 1 when Jimmy arrived in the bay he’s been ‘Playoff Jimmy.’ He couldn’t wait and they couldn’t wait,” Malone said. “When you go to a new team and new surroundings and a new culture, he’s come in from Day 1 and I think just been Jimmy Butler and the best version of Jimmy Butler.”
Butler says he hasn’t changed his game playing alongside Curry and Green — he knew them well already as an opponent.
“I play the same way, shoot the ball when I’m open, pass it more often than not and play some defense,” he said. “I think it’s everything that I expected, everything that I could actually dream of, too, if we’re being brutally honest.
They just want to win, there ain’t no individual goals here, they don’t care who scores, they don’t care who gets triple-doubles, they don’t care about none of that. All they want to do is win a championship.”
The Warriors played their 55th game of the 2024-25 NBA season on Thursday night in Houston, where coach Steve Kerr tried his 33rd different starting lineup and decided to stick with it for now.
However, this lineup might change again because Kerr has made similar statements throughout the season.
Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler will stay as the core players. In lineup No. 33 against the Rockets, they were joined by Moses Moody, who is undefeated (7-0) as a starter, and Brandin Podziemski, who replaced Buddy Hield, who has been more useful as a decoy this season.
Kerr explained his decision, saying, “Brandin has played so well the last couple weeks that I think he needs to be in that starting group now. He gives Steph another ball handler and decision-maker. He makes a lot of plays out of nothing with his brain and his skill.”
The new lineup provided an early spark, especially considering the Warriors had just played late the previous night in a loss at Dallas and didn’t arrive at their hotel in Houston until 3:30 a.m. Despite this, they were able to build a nine-point lead after the first quarter and extended it to 16 early in the second.
As has happened often this season, the Warriors showed both their best and worst sides. They had a 24-point lead with four minutes left in the third quarter, but as soon as Curry left the game, the team struggled. Kerr then announced that Butler would play “all of the non-Steph minutes” to avoid this issue.
Kerr took a risk by resting Curry, Butler, and Green together, which backfired when Golden State tried a lineup with Kevon Looney, Gui Santos, Pat Spencer, Hield, and Podziemski. The offense faltered, the defense collapsed, and the Rockets went on a 32-10 run, closing the gap to just two points (91-89) with 6:03 left.
In the end, it was Curry, Butler, and Green, the team’s veteran leaders, who guided them to victory, scoring all 12 points in the final four minutes. Green hit a crucial three-pointer, giving the Warriors a nine-point lead with 47 seconds left.
“We let one get away last night, but this one tonight we would have lost,” Green said. “But just having a guy like [Butler] changes everything for us.”
Butler plays a crucial role for the team, contributing by getting to the free-throw line, making key steals, and scoring in the low post. His presence is significant, and while it’s hard to measure, it’s clearly felt.
Steve Kerr talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry courtside during a break in the first half
Kerr is looking to close games
“We have to learn how to close games,” Kerr said. “We have not done that well, and we didn’t do it well last night, obviously. So that was an important game for us. We think Jimmy’s presence and skill are going to allow us to finish games much better than we have so far this year. Tonight was a good example of that and hopefully a sign of things to come.”
Butler finished with 19 points (13 in the second half), eight rebounds, and four assists. Curry led the game with 27 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Green added 13 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals, playing 30 minutes, while Curry and Butler each played 35 minutes. This decision was made after consulting with the medical and training staff.
The three veterans seemed energized by their younger teammates in the starting lineup. Podziemski scored 14 of his 18 points in the first half, while Moody scored all 10 of his points, along with two blocks and a steal, before halftime.
Podziemski, for now, will be the main defender, along with Moody and Butler, limiting Houston star Jalen Green to nine points on 3-of-10 shooting and forcing four turnovers in 22 minutes.
“It was so good to get him out there,” Kerr said. “I imagine he’s going to be out there now as a starter for a while, obviously with Steph, Jimmy, and Draymond. I thought Moses complemented those guys really well, too.”
“We’ll see how it goes from here. We’ve got [Jonathan Kuminga] coming back, hopefully within a couple of weeks, and so we always have options. But I think BP has got to be out there.”
Will Kerr’s new lineup help the Warriors break out of their recent mediocrity? It combines youth and experience, with all five players bringing multiple skills. It’s built for speed, which the team has struggled to maintain, but it could prove useful.
After learning the hard lesson of never resting Curry and Butler together unless the game is decided, it seems that lineup No. 33 deserves more chances to prove itself.
Luka Dončić celebrates after another dazzling performance, dropping 45 points in a triple-double masterpiece.
Luka Dončić delivered another masterpiece, putting up a dazzling triple-double with a season-best 45 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 143-133 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
The Slovenian superstar was unstoppable, controlling the game with his scoring, playmaking, and rebounding as Dallas secured a crucial win in their Western Conference push.
From the opening tip, Dončić established his dominance, using his signature step-back threes and crafty drives to keep Golden State’s defense on its heels. Whether it was knocking down contested shots or finding open teammates, he dictated the pace of the game, leaving the Warriors scrambling for answers.
An Offensive Showcase
The Mavericks’ high-powered offense was in full swing, capitalizing on Dončić’s elite playmaking and scoring ability. His 45 points came on an efficient mix of inside and outside shooting, complemented by 14 assists and 12 rebounds. It was his 12th triple-double of the season, further solidifying his case as one of the league’s most dynamic stars.
With Dončić orchestrating the offense, Dallas shot lights out from beyond the arc, punishing Golden State’s defensive lapses. The Warriors, known for their own perimeter firepower, struggled to keep up despite a strong effort from their veteran stars.
Golden State’s Struggles Continue
The Warriors put up a fight, with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combining for over 60 points, but defensive breakdowns and turnovers proved costly.
Golden State had no answer for Dončić’s ability to dissect their defense, and every run they made was quickly answered by a Mavs surge.
The Warriors had no answer for Luka Dončić as he led the Mavericks to a thrilling 143-133 win.
Despite their best efforts, the Warriors continued their up-and-down season, struggling to find consistency on the defensive end.
Dallas took advantage, extending their lead in the second half and keeping their foot on the gas to close out the game.
MVP-Level Performance
Dončić’s brilliance is nothing new, but this performance was a reminder of why he remains a top MVP candidate. His ability to take over games, control tempo, and elevate his teammates makes him one of the most valuable players in the league. Nights like this only add to his growing legacy as one of the most dominant offensive forces in basketball.
With the playoffs looming, the Mavericks will need more performances like this from their leader. If Dončić continues to play at this level, Dallas will be a team no one wants to face in the postseason.
Dallas will look to build on this momentum as they push for better playoff positioning in a tightly contested Western Conference. Meanwhile, Golden State must regroup quickly to stay in the race, as every game becomes increasingly crucial.
For now, though, the night belongs to Dončić—a player who continues to redefine what’s possible on the basketball court.
Anthony Edwards Shines but Timberwolves’ Slow Start and Late Mistakes Cost Them Against Warriors
The Minnesota Timberwolves showed resilience in their game against the Golden State Warriors, battling back from a significant first-quarter deficit. Despite their relentless effort over the final three quarters, the Wolves fell just short, losing 116-115. The loss highlighted both their fighting spirit and the glaring issues that continue to plague their season.
Minnesota’s first quarter was nothing short of catastrophic. The Warriors, despite being short-handed due to injuries, jumped to a 13-0 lead before the Wolves even scored. By the end of the quarter, Golden State had a commanding 34-10 lead, a combination of Minnesota’s lackluster energy and Golden State’s desperate play. The sluggish start ultimately proved insurmountable, overshadowing the Wolves’ determined comeback effort.
Anthony Edwards Reflects on Team’s Performance and Challenges
Anthony Edwards, who led the team with 28 points and eight rebounds, acknowledged the team’s slow start but took pride in their fight. He stressed the importance of finishing strong but also recognized the urgency for better starts. Despite Edwards’ thoughtful reflection on the game and team’s state, the loss was particularly painful given the Wolves’ recent momentum and upcoming tough schedule.
Anthony Edwards Shines but Timberwolves’ Slow Start and Late Mistakes Cost Them Against Warriors
The Warriors were missing key players, including Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga, making this a game the Wolves needed to win. Instead, Golden State, led by unlikely contributors like Gui Santos, managed to outplay the Wolves early. Santos, in his first NBA start, played a key role, exposing Minnesota’s struggles despite being an inexperienced G League player.
Minnesota could not blame officiating, as they had more free-throw attempts than Golden State and were the beneficiaries of additional foul calls. The loss also wasn’t due to travel fatigue, as both teams had been enduring a grueling schedule. Instead, it was clear that the Wolves’ poor start was entirely self-inflicted and a result of their ongoing struggles to bring energy at the outset of games.
Golden State Dominates Timberwolves in Season Series Matchups
The loss marked Minnesota’s third defeat against the Warriors this season. Golden State has struggled against other opponents but has found ways to beat the Wolves consistently. With multiple regrettable losses already this season, including two against Portland, this latest setback adds to Minnesota’s frustration as they try to climb the standings in a competitive Western Conference.
Despite rallying in the later quarters, key mistakes in crunch time cost the Wolves. Turnovers and missed defensive assignments allowed Golden State to stay ahead. Stephen Curry’s clutch three-pointer late in the game punished a momentary lapse in defensive focus, sealing the victory for the Warriors. Additionally, Rudy Gobert’s inability to secure a crucial rebound in the final seconds denied the Wolves one last chance to steal the game.
Gobert, once dominant on the boards, has seen a noticeable decline in his rebounding numbers. His regression has hurt the Wolves’ defensive rebounding efficiency, ranking 22nd in the league, a significant drop from ninth last season. Head coach Chris Finch emphasized that rebounding starts before the shot is taken and pointed to positional issues that continue to affect the team’s ability to secure defensive boards.
With 40 games played, the Wolves still struggle with consistency, particularly in avoiding prolonged stretches of poor play. Their upcoming schedule includes tough matchups against the Knicks, Cavaliers, and Nuggets. If they fail to improve their starts, these stronger teams could bury them early. Despite some recent progress, the Wolves must prove they can sustain success against top-tier opponents if they hope to be a serious playoff contender.
After losing two straight games, the Golden State Warriors were in desperate need of a team effort to secure a win.
On Thursday, they delivered just that, with a well-rounded performance against the Chicago Bulls, winning 131-106. Stephen Curry led the team in scoring, contributing to a balanced offensive attack.
The crowd at Chase Center was ready for a strong victory, especially after the Warriors were beaten badly by the Boston Celtics 125-85 in their last home game
With the Bulls, who are on the edge of making the playoffs, visiting, the Warriors had a great chance to get back on track.
On January 23, 2025, in San Francisco, Curry led the way with 21 points, shooting 41.7 percent from three-point range.
His shooting helped create space for his teammates to perform. One of those teammates, Quinten Poast, the Warriors’ 2024 second-round pick, had a career-high 20 points, making 7 of 12 shots from the field and 5 of 10 from beyond the arc.
Stephen Curry (NBA)
Bulls player Zach LaVine finished with a game-high 24 points, shooting 50 percent from three-point range.
With this win, the Warriors ended their two-game losing streak, but they are still close to falling out of playoff contention. Currently, they’re only one loss away from slipping into the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Despite their recent struggles, the Warriors still have a good chance to make the playoffs, thanks to the competitive nature of the league and Curry’s leadership.
The Warriors will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday for a key game during the NBA’s “Rivals Week.” This game is important for both teams as they fight for playoff spots.
The Golden State Warriors endured a demoralizing 125-85 defeat against the Boston Celtics, marking their second-largest loss this season. This setback left the team with a 21-21 record, pushing them out of the playoff standings in the Western Conference. With 40 games remaining, head coach Steve Kerr urged the team to focus on the challenges ahead rather than dwell on the loss. Kerr emphasized a week-by-week approach to keep the players motivated and forward-looking.
Kerr’s Resilient Message Amid Struggles and Frustration
Following the blowout, Kerr addressed the team’s need to improve without succumbing to discouragement. He acknowledged that the Warriors had faced demoralizing defeats this season but stressed the importance of staying competitive. Kerr encouraged the players to take a day off, recover, and prepare for their next game against the Sacramento Kings. Despite the Warriors’ lowest-scoring output of the season, Kerr maintained optimism, reflecting the team’s long-term commitment to the season.
Steph Curry (NBA)
The Warriors’ offensive struggles have become a recurring issue, raising concerns among fans and critics. While Kerr remains focused on growth, fans expressed their frustrations on social media, targeting both the head coach and star player Steph Curry. Some questioned Curry’s contributions since 2016, while others called for Kerr’s resignation, criticizing his game plans and leadership. The backlash highlighted growing discontent with the team’s performance and roster construction.
Calls for Change: Fans Demand Accountability
Fans voiced a desire for accountability within the organization, with some suggesting trades and changes in coaching. Criticisms of Kerr’s strategies and the Warriors’ roster reflected the pressure the team faces to improve. Despite the negativity, the team has an opportunity to address these issues as the February trade deadline approaches, providing a chance to make adjustments for a stronger push toward the playoffs.
Despite mounting criticism, the Warriors are determined to bounce back. Kerr and the team remain focused on improving their performance and securing a playoff spot. Their immediate test comes against the Sacramento Kings, a critical game that could set the tone for the remainder of the season. The Warriors’ resilience will be key to overcoming their recent setbacks and reigniting their playoff hopes.
