Warriors HC Steve Kerr reveals the mistake involving Jimmy Butler vs. Rockets in Game 1

Ahead of Game 2 between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets, head coach Steve Kerr opened up about a costly decision he made in Game 1 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs, about Jimmy Butler, after his excellent performance on Sunday.

Butler, who finished with 25 points and played a pivotal role in securing possession for his team, was central to the Warriors’ game plan against Houston. His physicality and technique helped dismantle the Rockets’ defense, but Kerr now believes he overextended the veteran forward.

“I kind of made a mistake when we were rolling in the third quarter and I kept Jimmy out there because we had momentum,” Kerr told reporters on Tuesday. “I think I played him too much in the second half. I definitely need to manage the rotations better and make sure everything flows the right way on the court.”

Kerr went on to emphasize the importance of load management in the postseason. “We’ve got to make sure guys like Jimmy get a chance to recover during the game, to keep them fresh and healthy for the rest of the series,” he said. He also acknowledged that similar overuse impacted results late in the regular season, particularly during stretches when Stephen Curry was sidelined.

Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

Kerr shares thoughts on Butler’s heavy workload

Despite a misstep in Game 1 against the Rockets, Warriors head coach believes Jimmy Butler is comfortable with the minutes he’s logging. Still, Kerr emphasized the importance of managing Butler’s playing time as the team looks ahead to the ultimate goal, reaching the NBA Finals later this season.

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“I think Jimmy is fine playing 40 to 42 minutes. He’s different, there are only a few guys in this league who can handle that kind of load, and he’s one of them. It doesn’t seem to wear him down,” Kerr told reporters.

Fans are eager to see the Warriors’ stars on the court together in the next matchup against Houston. If Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green are healthy and performing at a high level, Golden State could solidify itself as a legitimate threat in the playoff race.

Kerr anticipates intense Game 2 vs. Rockets

With the Warriors holding a lead in the series, Kerr expects a high-intensity showdown in Game 2 vs. Rockets. He described the upcoming clash as a true battle, not in a literal sense, but in terms of effort and determination. “Oh, there’s going to be a fight, hopefully not literally,” Kerr said. “This is going to be the most physical and competitive game of the series.”