Jimmy Butler highlighted Moses Moody’s shooting as key to Golden State’s 126-113 victory over the New York Knicks at Chase Center on Thursday. “When Moses gets going from three, it opens up everything for you guys… that’s one more person you cannot leave on the floor. It makes my job easier, Dre, even Steph’s,” Butler said.
Butler reflected on the team’s recent struggles and turnaround. “That’s what our record says… but I really think we’re turning this thing around, like we’re figuring things out. I wish we played with a little more urgency earlier on, but it’s never too late,” he said. He emphasized that winning is the ultimate proof of progress. “We’re winning. Yeah, that’s all that mattered… the thing I like most is we’ve been together through it all, and I don’t think that’s going to change,” Butler added.
Discussing his shot selection, Butler acknowledged taking more attempts than usual. “22 shots… at this point, 22 is way too many,” he said. He credited the second unit for helping the team overcome a 17-point early deficit. “Moving the ball… get the ball where it needed to go. If you can score, you score it. If not, then you pass it… the basket started looking bigger for everybody,” Butler explained.
Butler addressed the potential distraction of Jonathan Kuminga’s trade request, emphasizing team unity. “Hell no… that has nothing to do with us. We love JK in this locker room. That doesn’t change… I wish him the best here, I wish him the best wherever. We don’t listen to the noise,” he said. He praised Kuminga’s professionalism. “He keeps coming in here with a smile, doing what he’s supposed to do, and being the ultimate pro,” Butler added.
On maintaining athleticism with age, Butler described his approach to recovery. “Just take care of your body… some ice, some stretching, recovery, lots of sleep… I miss out on some of that because I got my kids, but I’ll sacrifice some sleep to hug and hold my babies,” he said. When asked about balancing beer and coffee as part of recovery, Butler joked, “I drink beer now, then in the morning I drink the coffee.”
On the court, Butler led Golden State with 32 points and eight rebounds. Stephen Curry added 27 points with seven assists, while Moses Moody contributed 21 points, including seven 3-pointers, and Brandin Podziemski added 19. The Knicks were led by Miles McBride and OG Anunoby with 25 points each, and Mikal Bridges with 21, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 20 rebounds.
The win improves Golden State to 22-19 in the Western Conference, moving closer to the playoff race, while New York falls to 25-15. Both teams meet again on Saturday, with the Warriors hosting Charlotte and the Knicks facing Phoenix.
