With Stephen Curry sidelined early by a strained left hamstring, Buddy Hield and Jimmy Butler ditched the capes however performed the heroes anyway.
The Golden State Warriors leaned on their newly-formed odd-couple duo to knock off the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-88 in Game 1 of their second-round playoff sequence Tuesday night time.
Hield poured in 24 factors, drilling 5 3-pointers and main all gamers with a plus-22 score. Butler, half energizer and half enforcer, added 20 factors, 11 boards, eight assists, and relentless protection – all whereas nonetheless discovering time to roast Hield for sporting the improper shorts to start out the sport.
“That’s not real Robin and/or Batman-like,” Butler quipped postgame, seated subsequent to Hield.
Hield, grinning: “I’m Batman. I saved the day. He’s still Robin.”
What began as locker-room banter has grown into a real, if unpredictable, partnership. Since Butler’s arrival by way of commerce from Miami, the Warriors have gone 29-11. Hield, acquired from the Sixers final summer season, has flourished alongside him.
“They go at each other all the time,” mentioned Draymond Green. “But they’ve got something special. And it’s working.”
Still, there’s no changing Curry. The four-time champ is predicted to overlook no less than three video games with the hamstring harm, which implies extra duty falls on Hield and Butler’s shoulders – and chemistry.
Their relationship, typically comedic and infrequently flamable, was on full show throughout a heated timeout trade within the third quarter. But the outcomes spoke louder: Minnesota’s offense floundered underneath Golden State’s relentless stress.
“We didn’t look like ourselves,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch mentioned after a bruising movie session. “Our discipline, resiliency, and physicality – all poor.”
Anthony Edwards had only one level within the first half earlier than ending with 23, hitting 22 after the break. His decision-making drew sharp critique from Finch, who wasn’t shy in calling out his stars.
“If you want the ball, the minutes, the spotlight – you’re going to be on that film,” Finch mentioned.
The Wolves have gone ice chilly from deep, lacking 64 of their final 76 three-point makes an attempt over two video games – together with their Game 6 win over the Lakers. Edwards didn’t flinch.
“Keep shooting,” he mentioned. “Next one’s going in.”
Meanwhile, the Warriors battered Minnesota on the glass, holding a 51-41 rebounding edge. Kevon Looney had his fingers full wrestling with Rudy Gobert within the paint, a battle Finch likened to soccer.
“They look like pulling guards out there,” Finch mentioned, claiming the Warriors’ physicality went unchecked by officers. Minnesota submitted a number of clips to the league.
Looney responded with a playoff grin: “It’s the postseason. I’m going to grab and push until they call it.”
Warriors coach Steve Kerr countered the complaints with a few of his personal – citing the no-calls on Curry in Round 1.
“Trust me, we all have our gripes,” Kerr mentioned. “It’s playoff basketball.”
Game 2 ideas off Thursday. And if Curry stays out, Batman and Robin must save the day once more.
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