The Miami Heat decimated the Golden State Warriors in what was dubbed Jimmy Butler’s return game. The 86-112 scoreline fails to tell the full story. The Vice City outclassed their rivals on both sides of the floor. Without Stephen Curry, the Bay’s offense looked ineffective. Only Jonathan Kuminga scored 15 points. Aside from locking them down, the Heat’s potent offense fired on all cylinders.
They shot 55.8% from the field, breaking down a Warriors defense that significantly improved with Butler’s arrival. From a record standpoint, this was an unexpected result. The Heat are 10 games under .500 even after winning tonight. Yet, they played with a strong resolve. No, it wasn’t to spoil Jimmy Butler‘s return to Miami.
According to Draymond Green, every team is after the Golden State Warriors. “We got to make sure we are approaching every game like we’re playing against the best team in the NBA because thats’ who teams turn into when they play us,” the defensive stalwart said after the game.
Mar 17, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) walks off the court with time remaining during the final seconds of the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
It could be because of the past years when the Warriors broke the opposition’s spirits during their dynasty years. Tonight could also be the Heat’s way of showing Butler and the NBA world that they emerged as the winners in the trade. But underdogs turning up against the Warriors doesn’t surprise Green anymore.
“This team 17 from 25 from three or something like that. 18 for 25? That’s crazy but in saying that it’s the NBA. Everybody got talent. So you know whether they’re a team with a winning record or not everybody’s got got talent. We got to make sure we figure these games,” he said about such results.
The Warriors still have a 24-14 record against teams under .500. However, that stands as the second most losses for a team in the West against an inferior opposition. So maybe Draymond Green is right. The Warriors might have to treat each game as if they are facing their toughest rivals.
But did they even have the upper hand tonight?
The Warriors are missing Stephen Curry
Since Jimmy Butler came to the Bay, many felt Stephen Curry would get some relief. Moreover, in case of an injury, as the Chef is suffering currently, the Warriors could still stand strong. But the last two games have proven otherwise. They have lost to the Hawks and the Heat in consecutive games since Curry went down against the Toronto Raptors.
It is causing significant trouble to Steve Kerr in particular. The head coach is hopeful to have the two-time MVP back in the lineup as soon as possible. Without him, their offense lacks not just an unflappable weapon, but also the spacing that Curry generates by drawing defenders towards him.
Still, Kerr was satisfied with how his decisions unfolded. “Well, we’re having to make some decisions based on spacinG without Steph. The decision I made tonight was to start Gary to guard Herro. And I thought he did a really good job tonight early. So I liked the way the game went in the first quarter for the most. We just couldn’t make anything,” said the Warriors head coach.
Payton II supplied well as a defensive pest. He limited Herro to taking just 10 shots on the night. However, the Warriors lacked someone like Stephen Curry who could deliver a counterpunch for those efforts. Without his improbable shot-making ability and disruption, defenses can narrow down on the Warriors.
The Heat in particular have players that can pressure players throughout the night. Former Warrior Andrew Wiggins played a huge role in limiting them to shooting under 40%. He claimed 2 steals and 3 blocks in his return game using his knowledge of their system.
But it’s becoming more and more clear. The Warriors need Stephen Curry back soon as the 6th seed could slip away at any moment.
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