#jimmy-butler-injury

#jimmy-butler-injury

We take for granted that the Golden State Warriors have one of the 15 greatest coaches in NBA history in Steve Kerr. Kerr's Warriors have spoiled us with four NBA championships (three in his first four seasons as coach), and five consecutive NBA Finals appearances. And he's the perfect Bay Area coach, as he stridently criticizes Donald Trump, routinely decries gun violence, and most importantly, expertly manages a difficult set of egos to keep the Dubs' championship dynasty running smoothly.

SAN FRANCISCO De'Anthony Melton heaved the ball over Moses Moody's head and out of bounds, Brandin Podziemski had his pocket picked by Gradey Dick and the Warriors watched as a desperation attempt missed the rim as the shot clock expired. Inside Chase Center, where there were more empty seats than usual, the crowd groaned. Three consecutive possessions in the second quarter said it all in the Warriors' first game without Jimmy Butler.

Prior to the injury, Butler had put up 17 points on 6 of 11 shooting in 19 minutes. In his absence, the Warriors received a balanced attack following halftime from each of Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield and Quentin Post. Podziemski finished with a team-high 24 points for the Warriors. As for Miami, Norman Powell dropped 21 points on 7 of 16 from the field.