Golden State once again showed its competitive character with a 104-93 victory over Milwaukee in a duel where the absence of Stephen Curry did not prevent the team from maintaining its good rhythm. Jimmy Butler took the lead and signed a key performance with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists, leading the Warriors to another victory at home.
A Duel Without Its Top Star
The news of Stephen Curry's rest generated doubts about Golden State's performance against a team as demanding as Milwaukee. Steve Kerr decided to give his star player a break, considering his wear and tear in the season. However, far from weakening, the Warriors found in Butler the key piece to sustain the team's rhythm.
From the start of the game, Golden State showed that it was not relying exclusively on Curry. With Brandin Podziemski taking his place in the starting five, the team maintained an orderly and aggressive offense. Ball mobility and accurate outside shooting allowed Golden State to stay in the game despite the Bucks' pressure.
Milwaukee, meanwhile, tried to impose its game with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way. The Greek sought to generate opportunities both in the paint and from mid-range, but the Warriors' defense held him back on several occasions, forcing him to take uncomfortable shots. Damian Lillard and Kyle Kuzma also tried to break the rival defense, but their effectiveness was not the best in the first half.
Butler Takes Control of the Party
With the game even and without a dominant figure in the first half, Butler emerged as the offensive leader in the third quarter. With his trademark physical and determined style, the Warriors forward punished Milwaukee with constant penetration and well-selected shots. His presence in the paint also helped Golden State win key rebounds and maintain possession at important moments.
Podziemski and Buddy Hield complemented Butler's offense, scoring from the perimeter and taking advantage of the spaces generated by the Bucks' defense. Meanwhile, Draymond Green was in charge of organizing the game and maintaining the defensive intensity that characterized Golden State in the second half.
Milwaukee tried to respond with Antetokounmpo and Lillard, but both players found it difficult to convert efficiently. The Warriors' defense forced the Bucks to look for long distance shots, where they did not find the necessary accuracy to get back on the scoreboard. With each failed attempt by Milwaukee, Golden State took advantage to increase its lead and head for the victory.
A Solid Close for Golden State
In the last quarter, the Warriors controlled the pace of the game with long possessions and a defense that blocked any attempt of reaction from the Bucks. Butler continued to be the offensive reference, but also found in Hield and Podziemski allies to close the game without complications.
Milwaukee tried to appeal to the experience of Antetokounmpo and Lillard to look for a comeback, but the effectiveness did not accompany them. Golden State's defense did not allow them to find comfortable shots, and with time against them, the difference became insurmountable.
Golden State sealed the win with absolute control in the final minutes. With this victory, the Warriors continue to consolidate their position in the fight for a better position in the Western Conference, showing that, even without Curry, they have the resources to compete against any team in the league.
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Warriors Continue Hot Streak Heading into the Close of the Season
The win against Milwaukee reinforces the great moment Golden State is experiencing. Despite the unexpected loss to Denver, the team has remained steady on its way to the playoffs, adding key victories to avoid the play-in round. The absence of Curry was a major challenge, but the performance of Butler and the rest of the team made it clear that the Warriors are still an opponent to watch out for.
For Milwaukee, the loss represents a setback in its fight to secure a better position in the Eastern Conference. With the regular season in its final stretch, the Bucks will need to find more consistency if they want to make the playoffs in good shape and compete for the title.
Golden State, on the other hand, continues to prove that its competitive DNA is still intact. With a team that mixes experience and youth, the Warriors have found a way to stay in the fight, and with Butler taking center stage when needed, Kerr's team is shaping up to be a serious contender in the postseason.
