Steve Kerr Says Warriors’ New Member Reminds Him of Andre Iguodala
EN 
ES The Golden State Warriors took a 2-1 lead against the second-placed Houston Rockets, winning the third game at the Chase Center. It was a monumental win for Steve Kerr’s team, especially with Jimmy Butler sidelined due to injury. Many counted the Warriors out of the contest, considering the Rockets’ dominant gameplay in the regular season and first two postseason games. Steve Kerr credited Jimmy Butler, who reminded him of Andre Iguodala, who won Finals MVP in the 2014-15 title run.
Talking about his impact, Steve Kerr said, “Jimmy is just so smart. He reminds me so much of Andre Iguodala. Incredible basketball IQ and the ability to communicate what he sees to his teammates from the bench. I thought Jimmy was really important for us tonight in that regard.” Butler sat out game 3 after suffering an injury in the previous game. He was at the courtside, though and was seen constantly talking to the players during breaks.
Andre Iguodala had a similar impact on the side during his time with the Warriors. Being a veteran star, Iggy guided the team in their developing phase and was part of the Warriors’ four championship sides before retiring in 2023.
Jimmy Butler, the transfer from the Miami Heat, impacted the Warriors’ season positively. The side went on a 25-9 run, including the postseason and Play-In Tournament, in games he has played for the franchise. The side also found a second reliable scorer to complement their star player, Stephen Curry.
Moreover, Butler impacted the game defensively. His overall game helped him set a Warriors franchise record that even Curry couldn’t achieve. After completing 20 games in the Bay Area, Butler had 300+ points, 100+ rebounds, and 100+ assists, and became the first Warriors star to do so.
Also Read: JJ Redick’s Risky Call to Play a Sick Luka Doncic Cost the Lakers Dearly.
Golden State Warriors Game 3 Win Over Houston Rockets Was a Big Statement
In the absence of Butler, the Warriors summoned a collective effort to pull out a gritty 104-93 win over the Houston Rockets. Stephen Curry exploded with a 36-point performance coupled with nine assists and seven rebounds in the game.
The game was close, featuring 18 lead changes. Curry led the Warriors back from down as many as 13 points. Buddy Hield delivered at a perfect time with 17 points, with five 3-pointers as he was the second top scorer for Steve Kerr’s team. Gary Payton II helped close with 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter.
Now, if the Warriors can deliver such a commanding performance in the absence of Jimmy Butler, other teams should be worried about when the forward will rejoin the side in the next games.
