The blue and yellow colors of the Golden State Warriors turned gray this season after the split of the Splash Bros. Buddy Hield’s efforts to make Splash Buddies took a nosedive in the Pacific Ocean. Dennis Schroder came and went, but the perfect partner for Stephen Curry was never there. The Dubs’ leader looked hopeless. And just as it was fading, Jimmy Butler entered the scene, bringing a breath of fresh air straight from Miami. It was the exact shift of energy Steve Kerr’s Warriors needed in the locker room, and once again, the colors are back and the joy is back for both Jimmy and Curry. They no longer look “mid” after their second win following the trade. And so, the head coach didn’t hesitate to give credit where it was due.

Taking on the Bucks was no easy task for the Warriors earlier, and Kerr certainly knew that. But the game ended 125-111 in favor of Golden State on Monday night. What a turn of events! So, during the postgame press conference, Kerr clarified what sparked the change. “I think the fact that Jimmy went to the line 15 times tonight, 13 times the other night, shows you the power of free throws and, you know, the ability to get your defense set and settle a game down when it needs settling. So it’s a big change,” the HC boldly claimed.

Jimmy took half of the team’s free throws, making 12 of them last night and 11-of-13 against the Bulls. That definitely gave the team an edge in both games, as Kerr pointed out. “We don’t go to the line much, but last two games, I think, up over 30 free throws each game, so maybe that’s about to change.”

That’s been a long-time headache for Curry, who usually dominates from beyond the free throw line. But now, Butler’s role is to flood the paint, creating a dynamic where the duo can complement each other during games. Phew! Now, that’s a relief for the franchise. Thanks to Jimmy, Curry seems to have regained his energy, racking up back-to-back game-high points. But would all of this have been possible if the 6-time All-Star hadn’t transitioned into the franchise so smoothly? That’s what Steve Kerr highlighted.

Steve Kerr opens up about Jimmy Butler’s seamless transition to the Warriors

Jimmy had been with the Heat for over five seasons, and transitioning from one style of play to another isn’t easy. But looking at him, you’d never guess he’s only played two games with the team, scoring 25 and 20 points, respectively. Then how does he do it?

“It has been absolutely seamless, and it’s because of Jimmy’s IQ,” Kerr said in the presser. Then she went on to shower Jimmy with more praise. “He just has an incredible feel for the game, and so all we had to do was give him a few of our actions and terminology last couple of days, and we just, you know, we’re running three or four things, and otherwise, it’s just basketball. And he knows how to play basketball.”

After his chaotic time with the Heat, which Jimmy would rather forget, he finally found his “joy back” in the healthier environment of the Golden State. The 35-year-old has already earned the trust of Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry. This newfound trust is expected to make the team even stronger. The Warriors have even climbed to the tenth spot in the West now. And if things continue this way, they could very well be on the road to another championship run again. Or is it too early to say? Let us know your thoughts!