Warriors Lean on Butler as Shooting Woes Continue in Win Over Pelicans

The Golden State Warriors left Saturday night with a 104–96 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, but the final score masked an ongoing issue: the shots still aren’t falling. Golden State shot just 41 percent from the field and 26 percent from beyond the arc, continuing a trend that has placed them near the bottom of the NBA in shooting efficiency.

Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the struggles but remained optimistic about the roster’s shooting pedigree. His tone reflected confidence rooted in experience—this is a team built around players who have historically performed far above their current numbers. Kerr’s message, delivered in the aftermath of the win, was simple: the shots will eventually fall.

In the meantime, the Warriors leaned heavily on Jimmy Butler, who delivered his most assertive offensive performance of the season. With Stephen Curry unavailable due to a quad contusion, Butler took on a larger scoring load while still orchestrating the offense with veteran poise.

Even with inconsistent shooting and injuries, Golden State finds itself slightly above .500 at 11–10, still searching for rhythm but encouraged by flashes of resilience. The team returns home Tuesday to host the Oklahoma City Thunder in hopes of building momentum.

1. Shooting Slump Continues

Golden State entered Saturday’s game among the league’s least efficient shooting teams, hitting just 45 percent from the field and roughly 36 percent from three on the season. Saturday’s performance did little to reverse the trend, as the team struggled to generate clean looks and convert open opportunities. Despite the cold numbers, Kerr remained firm in his belief that the roster’s shooting talent will win out. He told 95.7 The Game that he expects the team’s efficiency to normalize sooner rather than later, pointing to the veterans’ track records and the system’s history of generating quality shots. The Warriors’ offense has often relied on rhythm, ball movement, and shot confidence—elements that have come and gone in the team’s uneven start. Kerr acknowledged that the early-season inconsistencies have been frustrating but emphasized patience, reiterating that the team has too many proven shooters to remain near the bottom of the statistical charts. Until the shots start falling, however, Golden State will need to find other ways to win games. Against New Orleans, that meant leaning on defense, rebounding, and a standout performance from a 36-year-old star.

2. Butler Takes Control

Jimmy Butler, filling in as the primary offensive option with Curry sidelined, delivered a standout outing. Butler led the Warriors with 24 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists while earning 14 trips to the free throw line—converting 10 of them. It was a performance that demonstrated his ability to elevate his aggression when circumstances demand it. Kerr praised Butler after the game, highlighting both his playmaking and his ability to take charge in key moments. “We ran everything through him and he delivered,” Kerr said. “He’s a superstar for a reason.” Kerr’s comments reflected deep trust in Butler not only as a scorer but as a decision-maker capable of guiding an offense. The coach also noted that Butler’s natural inclination is to facilitate rather than hunt shots, comparing him to former Warrior Andre Iguodala in terms of his principled, team-first approach. But with Curry unavailable and the offense struggling, Butler made the necessary adjustment—becoming the aggressive scorer Golden State needed. Saturday’s performance served as a reminder of Butler’s versatility and importance, particularly in games where the Warriors need stability amid offensive uncertainty.

3. Navigating an Inconsistent Start

Golden State’s 11–10 record reflects a team that has shown flashes of strong play but has struggled to establish consistency. Injuries, fluctuating rotations, and the ongoing shooting slump have contributed to an uneven beginning to the campaign. The win over New Orleans showcased the Warriors’ ability to grind out victories even when the offense isn’t flowing. Strong defensive stretches and disciplined late-game execution allowed them to hold off the Pelicans despite the poor shooting performance. The team continues to await a fully healthy roster, with Curry’s status closely monitored and several role players adjusting to expanded responsibilities. These challenges have placed added pressure on veterans like Butler, who have helped stabilize the team in key stretches. As the Warriors prepare to host Oklahoma City, they do so with a sense of cautious optimism. The belief in eventual offensive improvement remains strong, but the path forward will require sustained focus, healthier bodies, and more nights like the one Butler delivered.