Instant Warriors analysis: Butler, Horford take over against hobbled Pacers
SAN FRANCISCO – After enduring two consecutive losses on the road and facing a tough six-game trip, the Warriors capitalized on their lone home matchup in a 16-day stretch. They secured a 114-83 victory in what turned into a gritty, defense-heavy contest that finally opened up late in the third quarter.
Jimmy Butler topped the Warriors with 21 points. Moses Moody contributed 13, Brandin Podziemski added 14, and Quinten Post also had 14. Energetic rookie Will Richard poured in 15 through sharp cuts and effective free-throws.
At halftime, Golden State led 48-41 despite hitting only 37.2% of their field goals and 5 of 21 three-pointers. From the free-throw line, they went 26-for-37 overall. The score stayed tight until a late third-quarter surge, as Butler, Al Horford, and Moody ignited a 14-0 run that put the game firmly in the Warriors’ control.
The visiting Pacers, reigning Eastern Conference champions, arrived in San Francisco depleted by injuries. Nine players, including four regular starters, were unavailable. The Warriors were also shorthanded, with Steph Curry sidelined for the third straight game due to illness.
Nevertheless, Curry remained active from the bench, seen in white sweatpants and a jacket, engaging with coaches and teammates during timeouts — a reassuring presence even while not on the floor.
“Curry sat next to the coaches and could be seen having conversations with teammates during timeouts.”
Author’s Summary
The Warriors broke open a tough defensive battle with a third-quarter surge, led by Butler and Horford, against an injury-weakened Pacers squad missing nearly its entire starting core.
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