CHICAGO — Jimmy Butler captivated the Chicago crowd during his return by cutting backdoor for an electrifying alley-oop dunk in the first minute of the game. His performance became a focal point of the evening, particularly during a significant run by the Golden State Warriors while Stephen Curry rested on the sidelines. With an impressive total of 25 points and four assists in his debut with the Warriors, Butler played a vital role in leading the team to a 132-111 victory over the Bulls on Saturday night.

“He’s a lion out there,” praised coach Steve Kerr, highlighting Butler’s determination and impact on the court. For Butler, the night held deep personal significance. The matchup marked his first game with Golden State exactly a year after the passing of his father. To honor him, Butler wore his father’s name, “Butler III”, on the back of his jersey, a label he plans to carry with him indefinitely.

This game was particularly momentous for Butler as it took place in a city where he spent the first six seasons of his career. It also marked his return to the court after a lengthy absence since January 2, following a series of suspensions imposed by the Heat last month that eroded his passion for the game. “I knew I was going somewhere, whether they were sending me to Flamengo down in Brazil,” he remarked, alluding to a potential future with the Brazilian basketball team after his NBA tenure. He expressed gratitude for landing with a prestigious organization like the Warriors.

As Butler embarks on this new journey, the Warriors are also poised for a fresh chapter. He is on a quest for his first NBA championship after leading the Miami Heat to two Finals in six seasons. Meanwhile, Golden State aims to add another title to its collection, which already includes four championships with Kerr, Curry, and Draymond Green as mainstays. The Warriors positioned themselves 10th in the Western Conference, holding a record of 26-26 prior to the win against Chicago. “We need each other,” Kerr emphasized, underscoring the mutual benefit of Butler joining the team.

Golden State made a considerable sacrifice to acquire Butler, dealing Andrew Wiggins to Miami as part of a five-team trade and securing Butler with a lucrative two-year, $113 million contract extension. However, they view this as a strategic investment, considering Butler’s reputation as one of the NBA’s top two-way players who is committed to doing whatever it takes to secure a victory. In this regard, he is expected to be a perfect match alongside Curry.

“Opposites attract in a lot of ways in life,” Butler said regarding his relationship with Curry. He’s confident that he can complement Curry’s game effectively. “There’s so much space for everybody else. I get the easy job. I’m playing one-on-one or in so much space,” he added, suggesting that he thrives in the offensive opportunities created by Curry’s presence.

Despite a rocky end to his tenure with the Heat, Butler crafted a legacy filled with remarkable performances, including holding the Miami record for 13 triple-doubles in the regular season and securing a lofty position on the team’s all-time leaderboard for points, rebounds, and assists. His “Playoff Jimmy” persona emerged during crucial moments, ranking third in playoff scoring for Miami, second only to LeBron James in per-game playoff points.

“Timing is everything in this league,” Kerr noted. “I think we’re getting Jimmy at the right time. His time in Miami expired. It ran out.” Kerr believes both the Warriors and Butler stand to benefit from this new beginning.

Though Butler didn’t participate in any practices or the morning shootaround due to pending physicals for other players involved in the trade, he showcased his raw talent in his debut. Kerr simplified the game plan, allowing Butler to focus on just a few plays while still demonstrating his explosive skills, despite feeling fatigued.

Butler was pivotal during a key 16-1 run that began late in the third quarter, contributing the first seven points of the fourth quarter, which included a three-point play stemming from an alley-oop dunk with Curry watching from the bench. “The game is very, very simple here, and they make it so easy for me,” Butler remarked, signaling a promising start to his tenure with the Warriors.