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[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Raves About Jimmy Butler After Big Performance

(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

It wasn’t easy, but the Golden State Warriors took down the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night and punched their ticket to the NBA playoffs.

There were a few stars who were doing great things for the Warriors during their Play-In game, but it was Jimmy Butler who did the most.

Following the win, head coach Steve Kerr sat down with the press and talked about Butler and what he brings to the team.

“He’s the ultimate two-way player… he’s just so physically strong and laterally quick,” Kerr said, per NBA on X.

"He's the ultimate two-way player… he's just so physically strong and laterally quick."

Steve Kerr on Jimmy Butler III's epic #SoFiPlayIn performance and what he brings to Golden State

@JimmyButler: 38 PTS, most as a Warrior! pic.twitter.com/NFbNBQotc4

— NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2025

Butler scored 38 points on Tuesday, his most since coming to the Warriors.

He gave a dominant and consistent offensive performance, but Kerr highlights the fact that he did so much more than that too.

Kerr said that it is Butler’s two-way skills that make him so remarkable.

He can shoot the ball well and score nearly 40 points, but he can also create lockdown defense that minimizes some of his toughest opponents.

Butler has a dogged drive and a desire to play hard.

Even if he is playing against someone much bigger than him, Butler doesn’t give up, and he pushes himself and his opponent.

One of Butler’s strongest features has always been his confidence and willingness to play hard.

That was on full display during Tuesday’s game.

With the Play-In out of the way, it is time for the Warriors to take on the Houston Rockets, who are the odds-on favorites to win.

But Butler has been an underdog before and has surprised everyone.

Based on his performance on Tuesday, it looks like he is ready to do that again.

The post Steve Kerr Raves About Jimmy Butler After Big Performance appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-kerr-raves-about-jimmy-butler-after-big-performance/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Paul Pierce Believes Steph Curry Could Surpass LeBron James In GOAT Debate

(Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Right now, Steph Curry is a four-time champion and one-time Finals MVP.

But if he is able to add another trophy to his shelf before LeBron James, some “uncomfortable” conversations will be needed.

That is according to Paul Pierce, who spoke about this possibility on “Speak,” via NBACentral.

He said if Curry wins another championship while James is still playing, he will be alongside Michael Jordan in the GOAT conversation.

Winning another title will say a lot and, according to Pierce, it’ll prove that Curry is better than James.

Paul Pierce says LeBron fans need to start bracing for some ‘uncomfortable’ conversations if Steph wins his fifth ring, because he’ll be right up there with Michael Jordan

(

@SpeakOnFS1 / h/t @Sports_Legacyy )

pic.twitter.com/Vy1znW1tGP

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 18, 2025

Pierce can expect plenty of pushback from Los Angeles Lakers fans, who will strongly disagree with this comment.

Of course, it would be incredibly impressive if Curry wins another championship.

As noted by Pierce, it would be like he has won with three different teams: pre-Kevin Durant, with Kevin Durant, and post-Kevin Durant.

His place in NBA history would be cemented even more, but many Lakers fans will still favor James over Curry in the GOAT discussion.

Others will add that Pierce is discounting James, who might be the one earning another championship ring before retirement.

His Lakers are statistically better than the Warriors, and now James is playing alongside future Hall of Famer Luka Doncic.

So, there is a chance that it’s James with the fifth ring before Curry and what would that mean for Pierce’s argument?

Both of these men are icons of the game, and they are fighting hard for another championship before they hang up their jerseys.

No matter what happens, these two will forever be discussed and compared when people speak about the best basketball players of all time.

The post Paul Pierce Believes Steph Curry Could Surpass LeBron James In GOAT Debate appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/paul-pi...ry-could-surpass-lebron-james-in-goat-debate/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Gives Honest Thoughts About Dillon Brooks Ahead Of Playoff Matchup

(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets has created a lot of enemies during his years in the NBA, but everyone agrees he’s a talented player.

Steve Kerr recently sat down on 95.7 The Game and talked about Brooks, who will face off against the Golden State Warriors in the opening round of the playoffs.

He said he is trying to put the past behind him, but Kerr has never forgotten how Brooks treated one of his players a few years ago.

“I’ve let that stuff go. I mean you know in the heat of the moment a few years ago when he closed-lined Gary, yeah, he was not my favorite guy. That was a cheap shot. I think I said he broke the code. I still feel that way, but I have a lot of respect for Brooks. He’s a hell of a player,” Kerr said on the Willard and Dibs show.

“I’ve let that stuff go. I mean you know in the heat of the moment a few years ago when he closed-lined Gary, yeah, he was not my favorite guy. That was a cheap shot. I think I said he broke the code. I still feel that way, but I have a lot of respect for Brooks. He’s a hell of a… pic.twitter.com/EJiezhGomR

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 18, 2025

Kerr is referencing the 2022 playoffs, when Brooks (who was with the Memphis Grizzlies at the time) was suspended for a game without pay after injuring Gary Payton II.

That didn’t sit well with Kerr or the Warriors fanbase.

Even though he is playing for a different team now, the fans watching will let Brooks know that they haven’t moved on from the incident with Payton.

The Rockets are going to be a tough opponent for the Warriors and Kerr will have to be concerned with players beyond just Brooks.

One of the things in Golden State’s favor is that they are much more experienced and have been to the playoffs many times.

They might be able to outsmart and outlast the Rockets, who are still young and haven’t been in this position before.

Kerr is moving on from the troubled past he has with Brooks, but he still wants to beat him in the opening round.

The post Steve Kerr Gives Honest Thoughts About Dillon Brooks Ahead Of Playoff Matchup appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-k...about-dillon-brooks-ahead-of-playoff-matchup/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Magic Johnson Makes Bold Prediction For Warriors-Rockets Playoff Matchup

(Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

The Houston Rockets are about to take on the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the NBA playoffs, and it could be an explosive show for everyone tuning in.

Writing on X, NBA legend Magic Johnson had a lot to say about both teams.

He started by praising the Rockets, listing all of their star players who could make life hard for the Warriors.

“For the Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets – there will be plenty of fireworks with the Houston Rockets! Nobody from the Warriors can stop Houston Center, Alperen Sengun. The Rockets are more athletic than Golden State led by Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun – and Fred VanVleet is a NBA champion with plenty of Playoff experience,” Johnson said.

But he’s not discounting the Warriors, although he knows they’ll have to go beyond simply Steph Curry’s skills.

“Golden State with future Hall of Famer and the best shooter in the NBA Steph Curry are going to need playoff Jimmy Butler to also dominate, but who else will step up for the Warriors in this match up? I saw Brandin Podziemski score 28 points against my Lakers. If Jonathan Kuminga answers as the X factor, I’m thinking Warriors in 7,” Johnson concluded.

For the Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets – there will be plenty of fireworks with the Houston Rockets! Nobody from the Warriors can stop Houston Center, Alperen Sengun. The Rockets are more athletic than Golden State led by Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun…

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 18, 2025

The Warriors have clawed and scratched their way to the playoffs and some people fear they will be too beat up, too tired, and too old to make a big impact against the second-seed Rockets.

But people need to remember that the Warriors have a proven track record in the playoffs.

They know better than anyone how to navigate the postseason, even when others have counted them out.

They simply cannot be written off because the Warriors could surprise everyone again.

But the Rockets have shown that they are the real deal this year.

They are young and less experienced, yes, but their track record speaks for itself, and the Rockets are going to try to suffocate the Warriors on both ends of the court.

The Warriors have their work cut out for them, but Johnson believes they have a chance, as long as everyone shows up to play hard.

The post Magic Johnson Makes Bold Prediction For Warriors-Rockets Playoff Matchup appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/magic-j...diction-for-warriors-rockets-playoff-matchup/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Reveals Honest Thoughts About Jonathan Kuminga’s Reduced Role

(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Golden State Warriors fans have not seen a lot of Jonathan Kuminga lately and they aren’t sure when he will regularly be on the court again.

Head coach Steve Kerr knows that people have noticed the lack of Kuminga, and he addressed it while speaking with NBC Sports.

According to Kerr, it’s all about making all the puzzle pieces fit and finding the best path to success for the Warriors.

“The puzzle has to fit. We found a really good formula when [Jonathan Kuminga] was injured and we got Jimmy [Butler], I think we went 18-2 or something right away. So we found lineup combinations that have clicked, and we’re winning and we have to stick with that. It’s brutal for JK, it really is,” Kerr said. “He still may be a part of the equation in this series and maybe the next series after that. So we just have to keep plugging away and keep moving forward and he’s doing a good job of that, and I definitely feel for him.”

Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 45.4 percent from the field in 2024-25.

It was a complicated season for Kuminga and came just after a very productive one.

Last year, Kuminga had to fight for his minutes during games and seemed to turn a corner and became a very important and impactful star for the Warriors.

Kerr seemed to love what Kuminga was doing and rewarded him with more minutes.

This season, he has only started in 10 of his 47 games and has sat on the bench way more often.

Kerr has a lot to deal with and many stars to juggle at one time.

He has said that he will make the choices that set his team up to win, regardless of who that favors or disappoints.

Beacuse of the lack of Kuminga, many people think he will soon be leaving the team in the offseason.

But there is a chance he plays during the upcoming series, performs well, and reminds people why he should remain a Warrior.

The post Steve Kerr Reveals Honest Thoughts About Jonathan Kuminga’s Reduced Role appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-kerr-reveals-honest-thoughts-about-jonathan-kumingas-reduced-role/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Jimmy Butler Joined Elite Franchise Company With Notable Statline On Sunday

(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Jimmy Butler had his first game as a member of the Golden State Warriors on Sunday and he was able to witness his team claim a 95-85 victory over the Houston Rockets.

As for Butler, he notched 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals in the win.

According to NBA.com/Stats, Butler became the fourth Warrior to record 25+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 5+ steals in a playoff game since 1973-74, joining the likes of Rick Barry, Stephen Curry, and Tim Hardaway.

Despite some doubts about him, Butler has become one of the most crucial parts of the Warriors’ lineup.

In his Warriors playoff debut, Jimmy Butler III cemented himself in franchise history.

He is the 4th Warrior to record 25+ PTS, 5+ REB, 5+ AST, & 5+ STL in a playoff game since 1973-74, joining:

Rick Barry – 2x
Stephen Curry – 2x
Tim Hardaway – 1x https://t.co/WN6zAB8rJK pic.twitter.com/ynmlB94Es2

— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) April 21, 2025

Butler was traded to the Warriors in February after a very public breakup with the Miami Heat.

Since moving to Golden State, he has averaged 17.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.

He has helped the team get in a much better position and now they are true playoff contenders after many people wrote them off earlier in the year.

Curry has had multiple great second options throughout his career and Butler is carving out a special relationship with him.

They work marvelously together, and Butler also adds a high level of intense defense for the team.

Some people doubted how hard Butler would play after his move to the Warriors.

Certain fans even wondered if he would be washed up and past his prime, due to how things fell apart with the Heat.

That clearly isn’t the case, and Butler is playing like someone who has something to prove.

The Warriors have stolen the first game in this series, and they hope to keep it up.

Butler has been fierce since coming to the Warriors, so everyone expects him to keep performing like this.

The post Jimmy Butler Joined Elite Franchise Company With Notable Statline On Sunday appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jimmy-b...hise-company-with-notable-statline-on-sunday/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Jimmy Butler Believes 1 Warriors Player Will Be The Reason They ‘Win It All’

(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

For years, Jimmy Butler played against Stephen Curry and knew he was a menace who could sometimes never be contained.

Now, Butler is playing alongside Curry and he loves to see the four-time champion go off.

Following the Golden State Warriors’ win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, Butler spoke to NBC Sports about Curry and how he could be the reason the Warriors “win it all” this year.

“Like I always say, Batman comes out of nowhere,” Butler said. “You never see him coming. Then he just falls from the sky, from a building, behind a door and does some incredible things. He’s going to be the reason that we do win it all. We all know that. But we got to protect him at all costs.”

Butler recently said he is playing “Robin” to Curry’s “Batman,” and added that he is more than happy with that arrangement.

There is nothing wrong with being second-in-line behind perhaps the greatest shooter in the history of the NBA.

Curry was red-hot against the Rockets, scoring 31 points, six rebounds, and three assists, going 12-of-19 from the field and 5-of-9 from the three-point line.

Curry had been solid all season, but the team was in rough shape right around the time Butler was traded in early February.

He seemed to be exactly what they needed because the Warriors got much better following the acquisition of Butler and started climbing up in the standings.

They were able to fight to the seventh seed, but some people thought they’d be too exhausted to make a dent against the Rockets.

That doesn’t seem to be the case, and now Houston is nervous after Curry’s explosive Game 1 performance.

But while Rockets fans might hate seeing Curry play like this, Butler and the rest of his team love it.

The post Jimmy Butler Believes 1 Warriors Player Will Be The Reason They ‘Win It All’ appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jimmy-b...rs-player-will-be-the-reason-they-win-it-all/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Raves About Stephen Curry After Big Performance Sunday

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Even at 37 years old, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is one of the most consequential players in the NBA.

He showed that on Sunday night, as his Warriors took on the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their NBA playoffs run.

Curry was all over the court and once again doing huge things for his team.

Following their 95-85 win over Houston, head coach Steve Kerr spoke about Curry and all he is capable of, even with stiff defense trying to slow him down.

“He was incredible,” Kerr said. “With that type of pressure from Thompson and others, he just made some amazing plays and obviously carried us offensively.”

Curry posted 31 points, six rebounds, and three assists during the big game, and now the Warriors hold a 1-0 advantage.

The Rockets knew they would need to minimize Curry as much as possible, but he posed a huge problem for them throughout the night.

It didn’t matter where he was shooting from, and, frankly, it didn’t matter who was blocking him.

Curry was able to dance past just about anyone and have his way, scoring from all over the court.

For the night, he shot 12-of-19 from the field and 5-of-9 from deep.

This was what Rockets fans were worried about.

They know they have a young and driven team that has a lot to prove, but the Warriors have so much postseason experience that they can find a way to outsmart any team.

The Rockets will have to change their plans so they can contain Curry, because if he keeps playing like this, the series record could soon be 2-0 in Golden State’s favor.

The post Steve Kerr Raves About Stephen Curry After Big Performance Sunday appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-kerr-raves-about-stephen-curry-after-big-performance-sunday/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Jalen Green Joins Elite Franchise Company After Offensive Outburst In Game 2

(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

The Houston Rockets took down the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night, and Jalen Green’s explosive performance was a huge reason why.

Green posted 38 points, four rebounds, six assists, and three steals during his team’s 109-94 victory over the Warriors.

According to NBA.com/Stats, that makes Green the third player in Rockets franchise history to score 35+ points in a playoff game, age 23 or younger.

He joins only Hakeem Olajuwon, who did it four times, and James Harden, who did it once.

In tonight's series-tying victory, Jalen Green became the THIRD player in Rockets franchise history to score 35+ PTS in a playoff game, age 23 or younger!

He joins:

Hakeem Olajuwan (4x)
James Harden (1x)#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google https://t.co/cVb7JxgHg3 pic.twitter.com/8hUxqqLpuI

— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) April 24, 2025

The Warriors could not contain Green on Wednesday.

In fact, it felt like no one would have been able to stop him.

This was a resounding comeback game for Green, who posted just seven points during the first match of the playoffs.

As great as he was, Green wasn’t the only person playing well for the Rockets.

Four other players were in double digits, and the Rockets easily handled the Warriors, who were without Jimmy Butler for most of the game.

This is Green’s first playoff run, and he has a lot to prove.

He was drafted by the Rockets in 2021 and has been seen as a future face of the league since then.

However, the Rockets haven’t been this good in years, and all fans have been waiting for this moment.

Their first game of the playoffs left some people concerned, but Game 2 was very reassuring and is giving people hope.

They are also hoping that Green can keep playing like this because when he is putting up nearly 40 points a game, even the best defense from the Warriors isn’t good enough.

The post Jalen Green Joins Elite Franchise Company After Offensive Outburst In Game 2 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jalen-g...e-company-after-offensive-outburst-in-game-2/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Draymond Green Has Honest Admission About Rockets Fans’ Chants About Him

(Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Draymond Green was subjected to the thoughts and feelings of many Houston Rockets fans on Wednesday night, and most of them weren’t very pleasant.

Green heard a chant of “F–k you, Draymond” throughout the night, but it didn’t bother him.

Speaking with NBC Sports after the game, Green claimed that the chant wasn’t unique and he has heard it before, including when he earned multiple NBA titles.

“It’s not original,” Green said. “Been there before, won a championship while it was happening. So yeah, it’s not really original. Can’t steal other people’s s–t. That belongs in Boston. So I kind of just kept pushing.”

"It's not original."

A classic Draymond response to the "F–k you, Draymond" chants tonight in Houston

pic.twitter.com/en5gX4G3pX

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 24, 2025

That’s quite the response from Green, reminding everyone that he’s a four-time champion who has endured his fair share of hate from people.

The chants don’t get under his skin like Rockets fans hope.

If anything, it inspires him to push harder and take home a victory.

However, the Rockets got the best of him on Wednesday, holding him to eight points, five rebounds, and one assist.

Houston was able to pull away and earn their first win of the playoffs, evening the series 1-1 before it goes to San Francisco.

Game 2 was intense and feisty with a lot of back-and-forth between the two teams, but the next game could be even more explosive.

There is a very good chance that Green will respond with a comeback showing in San Francisco.

He will be among his home crowd and looking to get his revenge on the Rockets.

People can expect Green’s trademark intense defense as well as his attitude and personality.

If Rockets fans were upset with Green before, they need to prepare for Game 3.

The post Draymond Green Has Honest Admission About Rockets Fans’ Chants About Him appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/draymond-green-has-honest-admission-about-rockets-fans-chants-about-him/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Reveals Honest Thoughts About Hostile Rockets Fans

(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Things got heated between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets on Wednesday night during Game 2 of the playoffs.

But it wasn’t just the players who were going at it; the Houston crowd was very vocal about its dislike of the Warriors.

They had a particular focus on Draymond Green and chanted expletives at him throughout the game.

Speaking with ESPN, head coach Steve Kerr talked about how hostile the crowd was and took exception to how they acted.

“I would prefer if fans could use a little more discretion and remember the guy has kids. I don’t know, maybe I’m old school. But I’m all for fans cheering for their team and if they want to yell at the opponents, great. But I just think ‘F you’ is a little much,” Kerr said.

Green is used to receiving this sort of response from fans.

Over the years, he has drawn the ire of numerous fan bases throughout the league.

Green has acted in many ways that have upset players and fans alike, so he isn’t usually bothered by getting this kind of heated reception.

But Kerr isn’t a fan of it and feels that it’s demeaning and cruel.

Despite his on-court behavior and past actions, Green is still a father and family man who has earned respect, according to Kerr.

His feelings might fall on deaf ears because a lot of Houston fans believe they are just dishing out what Green deserves.

It’ll be interesting to see the fans in Games 3 and 4.

Now that the series is headed back to San Francisco, the home crowd will be supportive of the Warriors and will boo and chant against the Rockets.

Will things get as ugly as they were in Houston?

And if they are, will Kerr say anything about it?

The post Steve Kerr Reveals Honest Thoughts About Hostile Rockets Fans appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-kerr-reveals-honest-thoughts-about-hostile-rockets-fans/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Says Warriors Will ‘Rethink Everything’ After Jimmy Butler’s Injury

(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

All Golden State Warriors fans are waiting patiently for a big update on Thursday.

That is when Jimmy Butler will undergo an MRI, and his immediate future will then be determined.

Butler suffered a hard fall on Wednesday night during Game 2 against the Houston Rockets, and he could be sidelined for some time.

If that happens, head coach Steve Kerr admitted that everything will change.

“I mean, if Jimmy’s out, we have to rethink everything. Like rotations, who starts and the best combinations and all that stuff,” Kerr said. “Hopefully Jimmy will be able to play, but if not, then we’ve got to go through our options and put together a plan.”

Kerr still hopes that Butler can play in Game 3, and he’s not alone.

But there is a very real chance that Butler has to sit out at least one or two games.

Kerr and his staff are surely hard at work figuring out what they would do without Butler.

They have options, such as Jonathan Kuminga, but the loss of Butler is about so much more than just the points he has been putting up.

He has been a crucial part of the team’s culture and chemistry, and has been a dogged defensive player too.

Butler has been a terrific fit for the team and a wonderful second option behind Steph Curry, and now he could be gone right after the Rockets evened the series at 1-1.

He has helped turn the team’s season around, and most people agree they wouldn’t even be in the playoffs if it weren’t for Butler.

Kerr and everyone else hope he’s back as soon as possible, but they are being realistic and planning accordingly.

The post Steve Kerr Says Warriors Will ‘Rethink Everything’ After Jimmy Butler’s Injury appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-k...ethink-everything-after-jimmy-butlers-injury/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Stephen Curry Reveals How Jimmy Butler’s Injury Affected Warriors

(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Since coming to the Golden State Warriors, Jimmy Butler has been a great addition who has helped the team climb back into playoff contention.

Sadly, he may be away from his squad for a while because of an injury he suffered on Wednesday evening.

Following the Warriors’ 109-94 loss to the Houston Rockets, Stephen Curry talked with ESPN about Butler and his injury, and what it might mean for the team moving forward.

“I’ve had that happen a couple of times,” said Curry, who has taken hard falls on his tailbone and suffered hairline fracture and deep contusion injuries in the past. “And you know exactly what it is. It’s just a matter of how bad it was, and I don’t know [the severity of Butler’s injury], but it definitely changed the dynamic of our offense.”

It happened in the first quarter, when Butler experienced a hard fall and suffered a pelvis contusion.

He was forced out of Game 2, heading to the locker room in clear pain.

Butler didn’t return, and the team later announced that he would undergo an MRI in San Francisco on Thursday.

The Warriors weren’t the same without Butler, and they ended up losing to the Rockets.

The series is now tied at 1-1 before heading to the Bay Area.

The Warriors have two days off, but is there any chance of Butler returning for Game 3?

That seems unlikely, based on what we have seen from other NBA stars and Butler’s age and injury history, but anything is possible.

Most fans are expecting Butler to be out for at least a few games, which would be a huge blow to the Warriors.

The good news is that head coach Steve Kerr has options and ways to fill the voids left by Butler.

For example, he could use Jonathan Kumigna, who has been sitting on the bench.

But the loss of Butler is going to greatly change how this team works.

They had adjusted to and embraced Butler’s style of play, and now they could be losing him.

The post Stephen Curry Reveals How Jimmy Butler’s Injury Affected Warriors appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/stephen-curry-reveals-how-jimmy-butlers-injury-affected-warriors/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Reveals Rockets’ Defensive Scheme To Beat Warriors’ Offense

(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors are a problem for multiple reasons, and the Houston Rockets are trying to address them all.

Speaking to the press, head coach Steve Kerr talked about one of the Rockets’ main goals in this current playoff series.

He said Houston is attempting to limit Draymond Green because they know what a threat he is.

“They’re putting VanVleet on him for a reason. They’re trying to take away Draymond’s playmaking and take him out of our offensive scheme as best they can. This is not an easy series for Dray,” Kerr said, per Anthony Slater.

Steve Kerr on Houston's defensive scheme vs Draymond Green: "They're putting VanVleet on him for a reason. They're trying to take away Draymond's playmaking and take him out of our offensive scheme as best they can. This is not an easy series for Dray." pic.twitter.com/wRkTUD7hb5

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 28, 2025

For the season, Green averaged 9.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists.

So far in these playoffs, he is putting up 6.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.

Although he is still doing well with his rebounds, the Rockets have obviously had an impact on Green’s offensive impact for the Warriors, just like they planned.

They are targeting him and attempting to limit him, and it is working.

Still, the Warriors hold a 2-1 lead in the series and are hoping for the upset.

If they are able to pull that off, they will send a message to the rest of the league.

They might be older than most of their competition, and it may have been years since they won a championship, but the Warriors are still something special.

Green has had a terrific season and was in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.

He’s a tough player to minimize, but the Rockets are taking an approach they think will work.

They are making headway in slowing Green down, but they haven’t stopped him entirely.

They are not the first team to find out that Green is a force to be reckoned with.

The post Steve Kerr Reveals Rockets’ Defensive Scheme To Beat Warriors’ Offense appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-kerr-reveals-rockets-defensive-scheme-to-beat-warriors-offense/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Jimmy Butler Makes His Thoughts Clear About Dillon Brooks

(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

The Houston Rockets have great players and good defenders.

They also have Dillon Brooks, who can be a very good defender at times.

More than that, he’s earned a reputation for being an instigator.

However, unlike players like Bill Laimbeer or Ron Artest, he doesn’t seem to be feared, liked, or even respected by most of his peers.

Notably, Jimmy Butler just joined the long list of active NBA players who have taken a shot at the Canadian guard.

Following the Golden State Warriors’ win in Game 4, Butler made it loud and clear that he doesn’t care for Brooks in the slightest way.

“Get me on record for this, I don’t like Dillon Brooks… I don’t think anybody is trying to be friends with anybody on either team, that’s for sure,” Butler said.

Jimmy Butler:

“Get me on record for this, I don't like Dillon Brooks… I don't think anybody is trying to be friends with anybody on either team, that's for sure.”

(via @NBCSWarriors)pic.twitter.com/7KTrdMKcOd

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 29, 2025

Brooks entered the league as a hard-working 3-and-D player.

Then, he started writing checks he couldn’t always cash.

From calling LeBron James an old man and then dodging the media after James dominated him for an entire series, Brooks has starred in several comical and questionable incidents over the past couple of years.

Of course, all teams need an instigator, especially in the playoffs, and Brooks has done a solid job of getting into some players’ heads every now and then.

Even so, for the most part, they just ignore him.

The Rockets are now facing elimination.

The series will head back to Houston for a win-or-go-home Game 5, and Ime Udoka’s team will need much more from Brooks than just trying to get someone else ejected.

Butler just talked the talk, and he’s the kind of player who always walks the walk.

The post Jimmy Butler Makes His Thoughts Clear About Dillon Brooks appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jimmy-butler-makes-his-thoughts-clear-about-dillon-brooks/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Jimmy Butler Makes Confident Statement About Warriors After Loss On Wednesday

(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors faced a tough and disheartening loss on Wednesday night, taken down a notch by the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of the Western Conference playoffs opening round.

But the Warriors are going to dust themselves off, move forward, and put this behind them.

Speaking with ESPN, Jimmy Butler was confident and to the point about what’s next for his team.

“We’re fine,” Butler said. “Our confidence isn’t going to waver any.”

If the Rockets were hoping to hurt the Warriors’ confidence, they are sure to be disappointed by Butler’s statement.

Instead of losing faith, the Warriors will only gain more after Wednesday’s game.

Outside of several bench stars, no one was doing too well for the Warriors during Game 5.

Butler himself was responsible for only eight points and five rebounds, while Steph Curry put up 13 points and seven assists.

This wasn’t a great game for Golden State, but they know that this series is going to be long, and they are ready to move forward.

At this point, no one would be surprised by a seven-game series between the Warriors and Rockets.

Every time one team seems to have an upper hand on the other, things change, and the series gets tighter.

The next game favors the Warriors because it’ll be held in San Francisco on Friday night.

If they play well, Butler and his team will be able to finally put the Rockets down and move on to the second round.

At the same time, the Rockets could score another win, force a Game 7, and shift the series back to Houston.

The Warriors didn’t play like they normally do on Wednesday, but they are confident things will look much better on Friday.

If they don’t, fans will prepare a must-see Game 7.

The post Jimmy Butler Makes Confident Statement About Warriors After Loss On Wednesday appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jimmy-b...ement-about-warriors-after-loss-on-wednesday/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Draymond Green Reveals Thoughts On Game 5 Loss Against Rockets

(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors were hoping to close out their series against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, but it wasn’t meant to be.

Instead, the Warriors were treated to a 131-116 loss to the Rockets, and now Game 6 waits for them on Friday evening in San Francisco.

Speaking to ESPN, Green talked about the rowdy Rockets and how hard they played.

He compared them to the Memphis Grizzlies and their celebratory reaction to a playoff win.

But Green doesn’t sound too worried about what’s ahead.

“You kind of seen everything. They weren’t playing ‘Whoop That Trick,’ but they may as well have,” Green said of the Rockets on Wednesday. “But yeah, at this point in our careers, we’ve seen it all, had all the experiences. So you got something to draw back on. Yeah, they played a good game. Whether they win by one or 50, it’s a playoff series. It counts as one win.”

Green is referencing the 2022 NBA playoffs, when the Warriors were thoroughly beaten by the Grizzlies in Game 5.

During that game, the Memphis crowd sang along to the song “Whoop That Trick,” celebrating that they were about to defeat the Warriors.

But Golden State ultimately got the last laugh, beating the Grizzlies in that series and then later winning their latest championship.

Green and his Warriors team have been around the block before, and they know that other teams salivate at the idea of beating them.

He admits the Rockets played a good game on Wednesday, but the series isn’t over yet, and no one should count the Warriors team out.

They have been down before and have rallied and come back stronger.

They could do that again this year, so the Rockets should not get too far ahead of themselves.

The post Draymond Green Reveals Thoughts On Game 5 Loss Against Rockets appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/draymond-green-reveals-thoughts-on-game-5-loss-against-rockets/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Says 1 NBA Rule Is ‘Idiotic’

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Steph Curry’s right thumb has been injured for a while, and the Houston Rockets know it.

On Wednesday night, multiple Rockets players hit Curry on his injured finger, but they weren’t technically breaking any rules.

That’s because they were swatting Curry after he released his shots, which means they weren’t fouling him.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was upset by that and spoke about it with ESPN following the game.

“It’s just players are going to do whatever they’re allowed to do. So on every release Steph’s getting hit, but it’s basically within the rules,” Kerr said. “So that’s how the league wants it right now, and I know we got 30 coaches who all think it’s just idiotic that we allow this, so we’ll have to take it through the competition committee, all that stuff this summer and eventually we’ll get it fixed.”

Fans will debate if the Rockets were purposefully attempting to whack Curry on his injured thumb, potentially hurting him more and throwing him off his game.

Regardless of their intention, Houston wasn’t breaking any rules by making contact with Curry in this way, but Kerr thinks that should change.

Intent and the well-being of players should matter more, according to Kerr, and the league needs to make adjustments to respect that.

Kerr said he isn’t the only coach who finds this rule “idiotic,” so does that mean it’ll be addressed this summer?

More importantly, will Curry be okay for the rest of this series and the remainder of the playoffs?

He is hurting but pushing through it, but how much physical impact can he withstand from the Rockets as he attempts to heal?

The post Steve Kerr Says 1 NBA Rule Is ‘Idiotic’ appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-kerr-says-1-nba-rule-is-idiotic/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Believes 2 Coaches Transformed The NBA

(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Today, Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors is one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in the NBA.

But there was a time when he was just a player, looking to be guided and led.

On Friday, Kerr spoke about the men who shaped him and how the entire league has been influenced by two NBA giants.

He said that the newly retired Gregg Popovich and Phil Jackson “transformed” coaching in multiple years over the last 20 years.

“I think [Gregg Popovich] transformed coaching over the last 20 years,” Kerr explained to NBC Sports. “I think it went from one era to the next with several coaches leading the way. I think Phil Jackson and Pop, and I know I’m biased for both of them, but each of them in their own way transformed the coaching profession into more than just X’s and O’s authoritarian figure to culture and collaboration and the unique chemistry great teams have. Those two guys, in my mind, helped create the current culture we’re in.

Kerr was lucky enough to play for both Popovich and Jackson during his 15-year career as an NBA player.

He also happened to win a championship with both of them.

They were two forces of nature who gained a lot of attention, not just for how they handled their players and the press, but for how they changed the ways people viewed the game of basketball.

To many, Popovich and Jackson are just as important as the players they coached.

Popovich announced on Friday that he was retiring from coaching, but he won’t stray far from the San Antonio Spurs.

No matter what happens, his influence will still be felt in Kerr, Ime Udoka, and the many other coaches who were influenced by him.

It’s not every day that a non-player transforms the league, but that is exactly what Popovich and Jackson did, and their legacies will remain.

The post Steve Kerr Believes 2 Coaches Transformed The NBA appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-kerr-believes-2-coaches-transformed-the-nba/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Stats Shows How Stephen Curry Has Dominated In Game 7s

(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors will need Steph Curry during Game 7 against the Houston Rockets.

Their backs are against the wall, and they need to go big, or else they will literally go home.

The good news for the Warriors is that Curry has been in this situation before, and he has always proven himself.

According to NBA on ESPN, Curry has the fourth-highest points per game average in Game 7s, behind only Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant.

Durant has the most with 36.2 points per Game 7, while James is behind him with 34.9, Jordan is behind him with 33.7, and Curry follows Jordan with 32.6 points per game.

Does this mean the Warriors are favorites to win Game 7 against the Rockets?

Steph has averaged 32.6 points in Game 7 in his career, 4th-most by any player in NBA history (min. 3 games)

Will he go off in another Game 7?

pic.twitter.com/faEUFBmjCg

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 3, 2025

Curry has definitely proven himself in previous postseasons, but that doesn’t mean his team has the advantage this weekend.

This Rockets team has a lot of fight, and they just don’t quit.

On both ends of the court, they have found ways to dominate the Warriors and make life incredibly hard for them.

Anyone expecting the Warriors to have it easy on Sunday will be sorely disappointed.

Plus, Game 7 will be held in Houston, and the Rockets fanbase has been waiting a very long time to see their team advance to the second round.

Everyone in the building will be enthusiastic and high-spirited, and the energy will be very high.

One of the things that the Warriors have is a lot of experience.

Between Curry, Draymond Green, other players, and head coach Steve Kerr, they have seen their fair share of playoffs, and they have been in tough spots before.

That means they have the expertise that can help them overcome the Rockets, even if they are playing on the road.

Is Curry about to improve his Game 7 average and punch his ticket to the second round?

The post Stats Shows How Stephen Curry Has Dominated In Game 7s appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/stats-shows-how-stephen-curry-has-dominated-in-game-7s/