Jimmy Butler’s Impact Powers Warriors to 98-79 Victory Over Clippers
SAN FRANCISCO – Jimmy Butler delivered a quintessential performance against the Clippers on Tuesday night. After a quiet first half, where he took just six shots and seldom attacked his matchup, Butler ramped up his effort in the second half, driving the Warriors to a 98-79 victory that improved Golden State’s record to 4-1.
Butler was the catalyst for a pivotal third-quarter surge that transformed a three-point deficit into a commanding 15-point advantage in just 12 minutes. His off-the-dribble bounce pass assist to Draymond Green in the fourth quarter extended the lead to 20 points with six minutes remaining, forcing a Clippers timeout. The Warriors outscored Los Angeles 22-9 after Stephen Curry went to the bench late in the third quarter.
Finishing the night with 21 points, Butler surpassed the 16,000-point milestone in a career destined for the Hall of Fame. He also contributed five rebounds and five assists. Curry added 19 points in just 25 minutes, while Jonathan Kuminga scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds, effectively defending the Clippers’ top two scorers. Quinten Post totaled 12 points on four made three-pointers and posted a plus-34 rating in 25 minutes.
For the Clippers, James Harden scored 20 points and Kawhi Leonard added 18. However, Harden was held scoreless in the second half, and the Warriors registered their first game this season allowing fewer than 100 points. This win snapped Golden State’s seven-game losing streak against Los Angeles, which included a gut-wrenching 124-119 loss on the final day of last season that sent the Warriors to the play-in tournament.
Golden State will travel to Milwaukee on Thursday before heading to Indianapolis for a Saturday matchup.
Miserable Second Quarter for Warriors
The Chase Center was alive after Brandin Podziemski converted a layup following a loose Clippers pass recovered by Draymond Green. Unfortunately for Golden State, that was their last highlight in the first half as they surrendered a 24-6 run to close the second quarter.
Harden’s offensive brilliance was a major factor in this stretch, but defensive struggles compounded the Warriors’ woes. When Gary Payton II and Al Horford were on the floor, Golden State was outscored by 17 and 20 points respectively in the first half. The offense stalled, and Horford struggled to contain Ivica Zubac on the boards.
Third Quarter Adjustment
Coming out of halftime, the Warriors changed their defensive focus to clamp down on Harden. They doubled the crafty scorer every time he touched the ball, forcing role players like Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn to generate offense. Draymond Green played a vital role in this strategy’s success, alongside Butler, who turned up the intensity after a quiet first half.
Butler poured in 10 points during the third quarter, helping Golden State embark on a 10-2 run to close the frame despite Curry sitting on the bench. The Warriors entered the fourth quarter with a 78-63 lead.
Warriors Start Post Against Clippers’ Zubac
Matching up against the bruising seven-footer Ivica Zubac, the Warriors opted to start Quinten Post at center. With Zubac frequently dropping deep into the paint on ball screens, Post found ample space to shoot, sinking back-to-back three-pointers in a screen-and-pop sequence during a nine-minute stint as Golden State built a 27-12 lead.
Post’s mobility contrasted with Horford’s, who was playing his first game since Thursday’s victory over Denver. When the Warriors reclaimed the lead in the third quarter, Post remained on the floor alongside Green at power forward and Kuminga at small forward. In addition to his scoring, Post grabbed eight rebounds and recorded a block.
Kuminga’s Growing Impact
Before tipoff, Coach Steve Kerr clarified Kuminga’s role, announcing that the fifth-year forward would be a starter moving forward. Kerr praised Kuminga’s energy, rebounding, and improved shot selection, particularly his efforts to cut down on inconsistent midrange attempts.
Tuesday night was more of the same for Kuminga, who came off a 25-point, 10-rebound game against Memphis. Beyond scoring, Kuminga took on the critical defensive assignment of guarding Harden and Leonard, showcasing his versatility.
