A highly anticipated showdown is set for Tuesday as the Golden State Warriors take on the Miami Heat. The matchup marks Jimmy Butler’s first meeting with the Heat since his dramatic departure, adding an emotional layer to an already intriguing NBA contest. Additionally, Andrew Wiggins will reunite with his former teammates, making this a must-watch game. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke about Curry’s determination to play in this game, emphasizing his commitment to both his team and Butler.
Curry, who reunited with his teammates on Monday amid his recovery from a pelvic injury, is motivated not only by the Warriors’ playoff push but also by Butler’s return to Miami, according to Kerr.
“Steph feels an obligation always to be there for his teammates, regardless of the circumstances,” Kerr said. “He’s an amazing teammate, and he wants to get back as soon as possible, mainly so we can win games and climb the ladder in the playoff race. But no doubt he wants to be there for Jimmy, too. And it’s one of the things I love about Steph—he’s always there for his guys.”
Kerr also reflected on previous emotional reunions, comparing Butler’s situation to Kevin Durant’s return to Oklahoma City. “That was maybe the most emotional return game I’ve been a part of,” Kerr recalled. “It kind of got ugly, really. So it was important for our guys to go to bat for Kevin, and they all did. And it was nice to get that behind us when it happened. There are going to be games like this in the NBA season because of the emotion involved in sports. You handle them as they come, support your teammates, and move forward.”
Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors talks to Jimmy Butler #10 during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on February 12, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
Butler on his Heat exit
Butler’s exit from Miami remains a hot topic, with some viewing him as the villain of the story. While perspectives on his departure vary, Butler himself has no regrets about the move and is fully embracing his new chapter.
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“So you can be mad. You can paint a picture that is not entirely true. I don’t even need to get into that,” Butler told The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. “They know what they’re doing. You have to paint somebody to be the bad guy. I’ll take being the bad guy. Makes no difference. I’m here now.”
Curry on Butler’s arrival
As the face of the Warriors franchise, Curry also weighed in on Butler’s arrival, drawing parallels to Durant’s transition to Golden State. “With any deal, you question it,” Curry admitted. “Even when KD (Kevin Durant) came, it was like, you don’t know what it’s going to look like. We came into it positive, but you still had to see it. That discomfort is good because it challenges everyone to talk through it and come with the right preparation.”
With tensions high and emotions running deep, Tuesday’s matchup promises to be more than just another NBA regular-season game—it’s a statement night for both teams.
