Jimmy Butler led the Golden State Warriors with 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a 124-111 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Chase Center on Sunday.
Reflecting on the loss, Butler said, “A lot of miscues. We didn’t make too many shots… we just didn’t guard anyone. A low-effort game that can’t happen at home can’t happen anywhere.”
The veteran emphasized responsibility for younger teammates, advising, “Stay in it, man… you just gotta figure out ways to impact the game if your shot isn’t falling. You know, rebound, you take the lead, you dive to the ground… that’s part of being a professional.”
Butler spoke about the team’s recent turnovers, noting, “We did have some turnovers… at least five, six, seven of them weren’t live turnovers… bad out-of-bounds passing, illegal screens… there is a silver lining.”
He acknowledged the faster pace and higher scoring opportunities in the league, adding: “Turnovers, easy points, those are hard to get in this league… once you see that ball go through the basket, it just gets bigger and bigger and your confidence grows.”
Butler also emphasized the importance of defense, saying, “I don’t think the game comes down to if we miss or make threes, we better figure out a way to get some stops.”
On the production on the bench, he praised Al Horford and the second unit, saying, “Al is great. Our bench is great… he will never be on the bench. We will be as a collective to do what we have to do. Take care of the ball, protect, communicate.”
Butler emphasized Horford’s leadership, describing him as “the center of this team… he’s won at every level he’s played at. Ask him to do it, he’s going to do it because he knows that’s what it takes to win… makes shots, protects the rim, the energy is always great.”
Atlanta controlled the pace after a brief surge from the Warriors and improved to 20-21 with their third straight win. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 24 points on timely shooting, while Jalen Johnson added 23 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
Luke Kennard added a season-high 22 points off the bench and hit six 3-pointers as the Hawks consistently stretched the floor. Onyeka Okongwu contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds to help Atlanta take a 46-48 lead on the glass.
Golden State had little support outside of Butler and Stephen Curry, who scored 31 points, as no other players reached double figures. Atlanta snapped the Warriors’ three-game home winning streak and will take on the Lakers on Tuesday, while Golden State hosts Portland.
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