Draymond Green said “the NBA is lucky” to have Curry because “this man is going into every arena putting on a show. Sounds like it’s a home game every time he does it. We’re all lucky to watch him operate the way he operates.”
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Butler: “When you put a bunch of good basketball players together on the floor, they always figure out a way to win. We should be 4-0. I’m not going to lie to you. Sick to my stomach because of it since I got here. But we’re going to figure it out.”
Ryan Rollins asked for Curry's jersey postgame. Curry obliged and signed it for him. Also highlighted how Rollins is using speed to create advantages and reading the floor: "You obviously saw tonight he played fearless out there. I'm happy for him, but also pissed off."
After recording Golden State’s first triple-double this season, Jimmy Butler says “you can’t get a triple-double without your teammates. That’s for damn sure. … I’m just happy that we won — triple-double or not.”
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Butler said the shots Curry "takes and makes are absolutely incredible.” About his fallaway third-quarter triple: “For him to know that ball is going in and for everybody probably in the building, maybe even in the world, to know that ball is going in -- it’s incredible."
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Warriors head coach Steve Kerr on Stephen Curry’s showing: “The guy is 37 years old. Incredible. Fifty-two points with people draped all over him all game long. The conditioning. The skill. The audacity. The belief. It’s just incredible to watch Steph at work.”
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Draymond Green said Butler is a “franchise changer” for the Warriors.
“He’s helping revitalize what we’ve got here. The belief amongst this team now that he’s arrived as opposed to what it was before he got here — it’s night and day.”
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Curry says he doesn’t take the response the Warriors get at opposing arenas for granted.
“I actually thrive off of it. … Not only does it keep me in the moment and keep me motivated, you do know that’s probably one of the things you’ll miss when it’s all over.”
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Curry said “it was fun” to catch fire in “a really cool atmosphere” while scoring 56 for the Warriors.
“Once you see a couple go down, juices start flowing and the rim grows and you just keep shooting and having fun with it.”
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Curry got "MVP" chants in the fourth quarter. He remembered Warriors fans at Oracle Arena chanting "Beat LA" but "the Laker fans were way louder when Kobe (Bryant) came in. ... It's sports. It's fun. Embrace it all."
"Basketball is in a really good place."
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Jimmy Butler said the Rockets “did a good job of whatever you want to call it” against Stephen Curry.
“I’ve never seen an individual get fouled more than he gets fouled. To me, I think that’s astounding. … It’s been happening to him his whole career.”
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Moody said tonight marked his first game at any level with eight 3-pointers. Said he has an uncle who made eight triples in a game and has long challenged Moody to make eight triples.
“He put a curse on me. … I’ll probably give him this jersey or something.”
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Draymond Green said the Warriors “all follow” Curry, “just with that type of tenacity — you’re not going to be the guy to let him down when he’s playing like that. I don’t think anybody wants to be that guy.”
Noted “we all followed him, and I thought it was beautiful.”
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Jimmy Butler said Golden State's starting lineup is "definitely" the smallest regular lineup he's been a part of: "I like it. I do. You've just got some feisty individuals out there that's fighting, scrapping on both sides of the ball. ... Small or not, we're getting it done."
Curry said he'd forgotten he didn't make a basket his last game in Memphis. Focused on tonight's game. Has golfed twice this trip trip. Said when he golfs, "good things happen. You just fill the cup up."
Said he's feeling good physically.
"The tank is pretty full."
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Richard said he hadn’t played/practiced with Golden State’s first unit before tonight. Got word he’d start during shootaround.
“At the end of the day, it’s just basketball. But it’s definitely a little different going out there and playing with Steph and those guys.”
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Draymond Green said “it sucks” the Warriors ended their season without Curry healthy, “but they beat us. Injuries are a part of it. We’ve won championships when guys got hurt.”
Credited the Timberwolves: “They beat us regardless.”
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Quinten Post conjured a roar from the crowd when Butler was at the free-throw line. Felt "awesome" he said: "Steph had just gone down. Our leader, the heart and soul of this organization. ... At that point, I kind of asked the crowd 'Step in for us.' ... They responded."
Curry made eight straight shots after missing his first three triples. Liked the looks, but found rhythm at the rim. Said he rewatched his regular-season matchups with Houston to prep.
"Once I got into the lane a little, things started to open up."
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On Golden State’s East Coast trip, Curry averages 34.8 points, 7.8 assists, shoots 55.1% from the field, 51.6% from deep, scores 56, dunks for the first time since 2019, makes Madison Square Garden roar like Chase Center and leaves Barclays Center to “MVP” chants:
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Stephen Curry was “due” for a halfcourt triple like the one he made before halftime tonight.
“One of the many things I love about Steph, he always shoots the halfcourt shot. He doesn’t care about his percentage.”
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Butler said he felt “a lot of pain” from his pelvic/deep glute contusion. Credited his trainer, Armando Rivas, and Golden State’s training staff for his recovery. Said he woke up feeling “good enough” to play Game 4.
“It’s a good pain whenever it’s all toward winning.”
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Stephen Curry said playing with Butler “has made sense so far.” Noted his IQ, competitiveness and the control with which he plays.
“We’ve got an opportunity to do something pretty special considering where we’ve been this season.”
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Warriors next play Tuesday against the Miami Heat. Is Butler looking forward to playing Miami?
“Going to be another game for me. Another game that we’re expected to win, for sure.”
Says he loves Miami’s fan base, “but I’m there to win now. I’m on the opposing team.”
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Kerr said Jimmy Butler saved Golden State’s season: “Everybody knows that. You watch what he did tonight — 12 for 12 from the line. Steph goes off the floor. We’re running everything through him. Just a big-time defender. Big-time two way player.”
Gui Santos said he figured he’d be in Golden State’s rotation when Wiggins was ruled out. As for the postgame locker-room ovation, “To have the whole team cheering for me, that feels so good.”
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Stephen Curry returns to Charlotte averaging 31.1 points on 49% shooting and 40.7% 3-point shooting — along with 4.5 rebounds and six assists — in his last 10 games. Warriors are 7-3, winning his minutes by 106 points:
Butler said it “feels great” helping the Warriors make the playoffs.
“I want everybody to be happy. For sure Steph. He deserves it. What’s he’s done for, hell, the game of basketball, not only this city and this organization.”
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Kerr with propers for Jonathan Kuminga. Said he played the role the Warriors asked him to play. Defended. Rebounded. Protected the ball.
“Just played a really, really solid game. Did exactly what we needed.”
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Kuminga says “no matter what circumstances I’m in, always got to stay ready.” Said it’s been tough not playing the previous three games, but “whenever your moment happens, it’s going to happen.”
Says he tries not to think about why he’s not playing.
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Stephen Curry highlighted Gui Santos’ performance, noting his effort and the extra possessions he created — calling them contagious.
“It was awesome the way he made his presence felt. The threes were a bonus.”
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Jimmy Butler said the Warriors need "some more effort" defensively.
"Maybe some more KYP at the same time. Defense is all if you want to do it, whether you're on the ball, whether you're in the gap, whether you're the low man. If you want to do it, you will do it."
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Butler, of Curry, said "the true definition of, I don't even know what you call it, best player, one of the greatest is, did they impact the game more than just scoring or shooting. ... He's always making the right play over and over and over again."
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Jimmy Butler said Golden State’s effort level was “non-existent until it was too late. We started to fly around at the end of the game. … Like I’ve said time and time again, when you don’t got 30 and you dig yourself a hole like that, it gets very, very, very hard to come back.”
Stephen Curry was particularly dissatisfied with his third-quarter shift. Credited the unit that finished the quarter and said “I’ve got to be better, just being more decisive. More aggressive. Even not to shoot, but to playmake and get everybody organized.”
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Stephen Curry said the Rockets were the aggressors.
“They got confidence, went on a run, got the crowd into early, and the desperate team set the tone. For us, we understand how to negate that going into Game 6.”
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Jimmy Butler said Golden State's defensive communication "was a little bit off" the last two games. Warriors haven't lost any momentum, he says, noting "we just haven't been playing our best version of basketball. It's easy to get back to that.
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Golden State’s Andrew Wiggins is set to make his preseason debut tonight. Poised to play a significant role for the Warriors this season.
Said Stephen Curry: “We won a championship with him — because of him. … I think he’s really motivated.”
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.@Raiders announced they've purchased 1,600 tickets to @LVAces that they intend to distribute for free to local youth organizations throughout Southern Nevada. Partnership began yesterday. Cool gesture. Raiders owner Mark Davis attends nearly every home game.
Kerr said Moses Moody’s go-ahead layup was the “shot of the game.” Touted his defense at the point of attack, shooting, character and maturity: “He’s clearly a guy who can have a long career in this league. I admire him so much because of his fortitude and resilience.”
Curry said there was a "night and day difference" in how he felt Wednesday compared to Tuesday as he recovers from his illness. About Golden State's bounce-back, he said "We can address stuff and not make it personal. It's everybody taking accountability and ownership."
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Kerr said Butler’s pump fake to foul out Jaren Jackson Jr. was the play of the game: “Playoff Jimmy. Real thing. So much of that comes down to your IQ. Basketball IQ. Obviously, he’s got a lot of gifts … but to me, it’s his brain that puts him over the top.”
Jonathan Kuminga had three finishes and four three throws via ball-screen actions with Curry.
"It's something we need to utilize, depending on matchups,” Curry said.
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Butler called Kuminga’s performance “a beautiful sight to see.” Said again they can “thrive” together and that “I know he’s going to be a huge part of us winning on Monday.”
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Draymond Green on Golden State's three-game losing streak: "That's why you want to get off to a fast start. Because you're going to hit rough patches throughout the course of an 82-game season. And if you build a cushion, it allows you to withstand that. ... Nobody's panicking."
Butler on Podziemski: "He's becoming more and more confident, realizing he's a starter on this team and any other team in this league. And that he can score, shoot, create ... with the best of them. ... He's going to be a big reason in us winning what we're trying to win."
Regarding Golden State’s developing identity, Curry said “You just try to defend at a high level — first and foremost,” adding “It’s just truly the fundamentals of the game. Play good defense. Take care of the ball.”
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Butler: "We all want 30 back. That's for sure. But we want him to be his best for himself, best for our group in the long run. The long haul. And until then, we can hold down the fort. I know we can."
Stephen Curry says Golden State’s free-throw shooting is a “glaring issue” and “it’s what you do pre-practice, post-practice to get your confidence right.” He added: “It is correctable. That’s a good thing. And we understand that the details do matter. … So get your work in.”
Moody said when Curry cooks like he did against the Grizzlies, “you’ve got remember to play the game when you’re sitting there watching him do stuff like that. … That’s a special performance from a special player.”
Stephen Curry said the Warriors want to have “intentionality” with how they start the regular season Tuesday in Los Angeles.
“Were a team that is building on the foundation we had last year. So, you want to win the first game. That’s kind of how you take it.”
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Warriors star Stephen Curry: "You can find reasons or excuses after a game, things like that, but we're up 17 with three minutes left in the third." Said Golden State can learn a lesson about "capturing and maintaining momentum on the road when you've done enough to separate."
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said “it’s fun to see” Moses Moody shooting the ball “so well this year.” Highlighted his improvement shooting amid movement and impact as an on-ball defender.
“He’s in the starting lineup for a reason.”
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Speaking about Stephen Curry and Victor Wembanyama, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says “What a battle. A guy who’s been doing this for a long time and continues to amazing at 37 and the young guy over there. He just destroys everything defensively.”
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Kerr: “We’re spoiled around here. We’re used to (Curry’s greatness). But it never gets old watching. I can tell you that I think the fans here tonight, even the Magic fans, they know they’re witnessing the greatest shooter ever — and one of the greatest performers ever.”
Draymond Green says he tries not to take Curry’s greatness for granted: “I’ve been lucky to play with a guy for 13 years and see those types of performances. …. I’m honored and lucky to share the court with him, to be his teammate and just watch that type of dominance.”
Butler says his conditioning “is nowhere close to being where it needs to be and I can’t wait until I’m back in basketball shape the way that I’m used to being.” Said he still has time to go. Credited the Warriors for ensuring he’s comfortable.
Regarding Golden State’s close, Curry said “We got organized offensively, which was great. We’ve talked about that the last 48 hours, just understanding the shots we’re trying to create, what sets we’re trying to get in.”
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Butler: "I just be hooping. Whatever they ask me to do, I try to do it to the best of my abilities. But the one thing that they always ask is -- find a way to win. That's it. So, whatever that may be -- scoring, passing, getting a stop, getting fouled."
Kerr: “Jimmy is the real deal. Complete basketball player. Methodical. Under control all the time. Plays at his own pace. Never turns it over. Sees the game and can get to the line frequently. Great closer” with the way he tailors his output to whatever the situation requires.
Kerr on Butler: "We know he's willing to play through anything. So, we'll see. This is a day-to-day thing for sure and we'll see how he feels tomorrow, but I think there's a chance he plays."
Draymond Green isn’t surprised how quickly the Warriors and Butler have gelled “because I think if you’ve ever watched Jimmy play, he keep it real simple. He’s going to get to his spots. He’s going to find his teammates and I think you can fit that in anywhere.”
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Draymond Green: "I always tell guys, you don't get out of a rut by hitting 25 threes. You get out of a rut by ... making the little plays, hustle plays, getting 50-50 balls. Gui Santos brought that to the game tonight and he changed the game for us."
Jimmy Butler has played in four Game 7 matchups. Said Golden State’s collective confidence is at “an all-time high.”
Butler: “It’s not wavering. We know how good of a team we are.”
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Kerr said the acquisition of Jimmy Butler is energizing Curry: “He’s the one who keeps using the term ‘meaningful basketball.’ And you can see we’re now in the fight. We’re in the mix and this is what Steph loves. … His competitiveness is probably his most underrated quality.”
Kerr said Moses Moody is playing the role he’s most comfortable with, “which is space the floor. Let it fly when he’s open. Play hard. Compete. Moses is in a really good place and has really established himself as a starter with this group and I’m excited about it.”
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr on Stephen Curry’s performance: “I don’t know. Just whatever I’ve said the last 11 years after every one of these games, just copy and paste.”
#Dolphins coach Brian Flores with a nod to #Raiders fans and the atmosphere at Allegiant Stadium: “It’s a hard place to play with the noise and the environment here.”
Andrew Wiggins on the meeting: “When Steph talks, he talks at the right moments. It was needed and the message was clear. That’s the leader here. We go as Steph goes. That’s the man. It was definitely needed. Motivational. I think it’ll be the start of something good for us.”
.@Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards was sporting a @WNBA hoodie during his news conference today. He said he got it from @LVAces star and reigning league MVP A'ja Wilson, whom he attended college with at the University of South Carolina.
Moody on Golden State's upcoming schedule: "It's a sprint to the finish. That's what it is right now. ... If somebody wins, somebody loses, I just know if we win, then stuff is going to go how we want it to. So, focusing on that. Winning the next game."
Kerr said he plans to play guard Stephen Curry approximately 32 minutes a game. Will be games throughout the season he’ll play past that point, but Golden State’s depth should ease his workload this season.
Kerr said Golden State’s second-half fight was important: “There’s going to be games in the 82 where things don’t go your way and you have to show where you are. I was impressed with the guys’ energy and the way they kept playing. And that’s important to establish.”
Stephen Curry said he “felt great, physically” as he firms up his conditioning. Says the Warriors have to “refresh” in San Antonio “and try to come with some good energy and a little bit more mindfulness of how we’re trying to great offense.”
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Kerr said Moses Moody “really seems to thrive” at power forward for the Warriors: “That’s a spot he’s comfortable with using his strength, and then the ability to stretch the floor.” Thought Moody was key in beating the Wizards. Credited his energy and force.
Butler: “We’re still as confident as ever and we’re going to go back to the film and the drawing boards and figure it out, come back in here on Monday and get this thing to 2-2.”
Post on Butler: "It just feels really good to have somebody to get to the free-throw line. Playing with him I didn't realize it, before we didn't really get to the line a lot. He just, in a way, bails us out a lot. ... He brings so much energy. ... Feel like he's a joyful guy."
Hield credited Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Kerr for easing his transition to playing with the Warriors.
“I see basketball a different way than being on previous teams.”
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Jimmy Butler says the Warriors “have to get back to winning is the main thing and the only thing.” Said Golden State’s “fight” is an issue.
“Most of that fight I’m talking about is on the defensive end. If you’re not getting stops, man, you’re just not playing hard.”
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Melton: "This locker room now definitely is ready for the climb that we need. How they finished at the end of the year and just seeing how I could implement myself in those situations is pretty much what I was doing."
Kerr said Andrew Wiggins was “phenomenal.” Wasn’t sure he should’ve have played, “but he knew Steph and Draymond were out and he knew how important this game was. So he gutted it out. He’s been that way since he’s been here. … He knew he had a lot of responsibility tonight.”
Warriors wrapping practice at Toronto’s Scotiabank Center. Andrew Wiggins is with Golden State. Out the last two games for personal reasons. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green — out Friday in Indiana — are expected to play Monday against the Raptors, per head coach Steve Kerr:
Kuminga said his performance "would have felt great" if the Warriors won Game 3: "I'm glad things went well but it doesn't feel well when you don't get the win."