Dub Hub: Steph Curry says offense 'doesn't feel as hard' with Jimmy Butler on the team

02/11/2025 02:00 PM

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Tuesday, February 11th.

In today's Dub Hub:

• Steph Curry says every offensive possession "doesn't feel as hard" playing alongside Jimmy Butler after the Warriors' 125-111 victory over the Bucks.
• Warriors expect Jonathan Kuminga to return to practice after the NBA All-Star Break.
• Trae Young and Kyrie Irving chosen as All-Star replacements for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis.

The Golden State Warriors are off to a strong start since the addition of new star Jimmy Butler, improving to 2-0 following Monday's 125-111 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Stephen Curry, who tied his season-high output with 38 points in the victory, credited Butler's presence for easing his offensive workload.

With Butler on the floor, Curry now has a reliable outlet against the double—and at times triple—teams he was seeing as soon as he crossed half court prior to the trade. Butler took advantage of these situations by attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line 15 times while making 12 of them. He finished the night with 20 points as head coach Steve Kerr continues to praise his "seamless" fit on the team.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Tuesday, February 11th:

Warriors News:

Warriors go 2-0 in Jimmy Butler era: 'Every possession doesn't feel as hard,' Curry says | The Athletic

Five minutes into his first game with the Golden State Warriors, Butler was so exhausted he had Steve Kerr call a timeout. His teammates were still laughing with him about it a couple of days later.

"You gotta think, I haven't played basketball in a month," Butler said. "My wind is nowhere close to where it needs to be. I can't wait until I'm back in basketball shape where I'm used to being. I won't miss free throws as much. I'll have lift on my jump shots. Right now, I'm just gassed. I'm glad we're winning. But I gotta get in better shape."

Warriors expect Jonathan Kuminga to return to practice after the All-Star Break

What we learned as Butler's impact continues in Warriors' win | NBC Sports Bay Area

Down by 21 points less than three minutes into the third quarter Saturday in Chicago, the game completely shifted in the Warriors' favor once Kerr went small. Out went Post and in came Moses Moody. Instead of waiting, Kerr began the game playing small-ball against a Bucks team without Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Moody started at the 4 and Green was at the 5, giving Golden State a lineup without a traditional center. That group played nine-plus minutes together and was a minus-2. The Bucks outscored them 27-25.

There's no denying what opposing teams are seeing on the Post scouting report: Attack the rookie when he's on defense. Offenses are going right at Post, and with a lot of success. But there's a reason Kerr keeps playing him. His offense gives the Warriors such an added wrinkle.

Why Wiggins sees similarities between Warriors, Heat star tandems | NBC Sports Bay Area

During his introductory Heat press conference Sunday, Wiggins explained what he has noticed thus far while sitting beside fellow traded Warrior Kyle Anderson and former Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors guard Davion Mitchell.

"Being able to play with any style on the court … Golden State had a unique style, especially playing with Steph [Curry] and Draymond [Green]. There [are] similarities with Tyler [Herro] and Bam [Adebayo]," Wiggins told reporters (h/t ClutchPoints' Zachary Weinberger).

"So, I'm looking forward to being out there and, you know, being one of the older guys and just getting it started with them."

Brandin Podziemski explains why Quinten Post is playing so well

NBA News:

Luka Doncic scores 14 in 24 minutes in debut win with Lakers | ESPN

"Luka, be your f---ing self," James said during the pregame huddle, picked up by the ESPN telecast. "Don't fit in, fit the f--- out. Be yourself."

When asked about the moment, having booked a 132-113 win over the Utah Jazz his first time wearing the purple and gold uniform for game action, Doncic was sincere.

"For him to say something like that just feels amazing," Doncic said after scoring 14 points in 24 minutes, playing for the first time since Christmas Day when he was with the Dallas Mavericks. "It gives me confidence. And after that speech, it was chills. I was just happy to be a part of it."

Kevin Durant is moving past trade speculation: 'I'm not entitled to anything' | The Athletic

Durant said sitting out with the ankle injury hasn't helped since the deadline. Instead of discussing his performance, the media and others, he contends, have spent time forming certain narratives about his happiness in Phoenix. Durant is under contract through the 2025-26 season and due for an extension. He knows this storyline won't go away.

"I always had a goal of just playing my contract out and seeing what happens,'' Durant said. "I can't focus on a year-and-a-half down the line. I know that will be a topic. That's probably the most frustrating part about being in trade talks is that the microscope is going to be on solely just me the rest of the season. My body language. How I speak to (news reporters) after the game. How I'm looking on the bench. That stuff will be magnified, which sucks."

Hawks' Trae Young and Mavericks' Kyrie Irving chosen as All-Star replacements

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Player grades: Warriors vs. Bucks

Quinten Post

15 minutes, 13 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 foul, 4-for-5 shooting, 3-for-4 threes, 2-for-2 free throws, 110.5% TS, +11

Post was moved out of the starting five, but it sure didn't impact how much he helped the Warriors. He was excellent when on the court, and had one of the biggest sequences of the game, when he hit back-to-back threes early in the fourth quarter to turn a two-point lead into an eight-point lead ... and spark a 20-4 run. There's no fear in Post, who drained all three of his triples in that pivotal fourth quarter. He seems ready for whatever challenge is given to him.

Grade: A

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