The Butler Effect: A Painful Reminder
The Warriors’ 125-119 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night provided a stark and vivid demonstration of why the team pursued, acquired, and made a substantial two-year, $121 million commitment to Jimmy Butler III. The 35-year-old veteran has been a stabilizing force for a Warriors team that had been mired in a slump, struggling to find their footing every time Stephen Curry left the court. Despite Curry’s 12-point performance in the first 10 minutes, which gave the Warriors a six-point lead (30-24) when he headed to the bench, the absence of Butler was immediately felt, and the fog that often descends on the team without Curry’s presence quickly took over.
The Fog Returns
When Curry left the floor with 2:07 remaining in the first quarter, he joined Butler on the bench, hoping his teammates could hold or even extend their lead against a 76ers team that had lost nine consecutive games. However, the Warriors’ offense, which had been running smoothly with Butler, suddenly sputtered. The team was outscored 18-7 in the final minutes of the first quarter, and by the time Curry returned with 6:46 left in the second quarter, they were trailing 42-37. The lead vanished, and the Warriors never managed to regain it. The end of the first quarter was particularly dismal, with five missed shots, a turnover, and not a single bucket. The Warriors’ struggles continued into the second quarter, where they missed seven of nine shots and committed another turnover. Quentin Grimes’ buzzer-beating 3-pointer at halftime gave the 76ers a 12-point lead and a much-needed confidence boost.
Impact on Key Players
Butler’s absence had a profound impact on key players like Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody, who have thrived since his arrival on February 8. Podziemski, who has been a reliable contributor with Butler on the floor, seemed lost and uncertain in his 25 minutes, scoring just five points on 2-of-8 shooting (0-of-3 from beyond the arc) and finishing with a team-worst minus-16. Moody, another player who has benefitted from Butler’s presence, managed 10 points on 3-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-4 from distance, but still ended up with a minus-10. Draymond Green, known for his versatility, missed four layups but still managed 13 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, though he also led the team with four turnovers. The lack of Butler left the Warriors grasping for their games, resulting in 14 missed layup attempts and poor point-of-attack defense, with the 76ers shooting an impressive 57.6 percent from 3-point range, well above their season average of 34.6 percent.
The Desperate Play-In Situation
This loss was particularly significant for the Warriors, as they were hoping to break out of the NBA play-in tournament box and solidify their position in the Western Conference. Without Butler, they played like a team that had been in 10th place just three weeks ago, losing the lead and struggling to find their rhythm. The 76ers, a team that had been desperate for a win, capitalized on the Warriors’ disarray and shot lights-out from beyond the arc, a stark contrast to their usual performance. The Warriors’ inability to adapt to Butler’s absence was evident throughout the game, and they were outscored 8-3 in the final two minutes, despite tying the game at 116-116 with just over two minutes remaining.
Butler’s Value on Both Ends
Butler’s value to the Warriors cannot be overstated. Since his arrival, he has been the glue that connects the game, providing leadership and a clear sense of direction on both ends of the floor. His presence has allowed Podziemski and Moody to play with more confidence and poise, and it has given Green the space to play to his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses. Butler has also helped to regulate Curry’s workload, allowing the star point guard to operate at a more sustainable pace. Without Butler, the Warriors’ rotation was thrown into disarray, and their on-court chemistry suffered.
Looking Forward
The Warriors are now hoping for a swift recovery for Butler, as Coach Steve Kerr is committed to managing Curry’s minutes carefully, especially with three games in four nights on the horizon. Kerr acknowledged that he couldn’t play Curry for 40 minutes and aimed to keep him around 34-35 minutes, but the desperation of the situation led to Curry playing closer to 36. The team’s struggles without Butler are a clear indication of his importance, and it highlights why Golden State was willing to offer a lucrative contract extension to a veteran who has had a history of injuries. The Warriors need Butler back on the court not just to regain their momentum but to salvage their season and position themselves for a strong finish to the playoffs.
