Steve Kerr’s very valid concern might be manifesting. The Golden State Warriors couldn’t keep their road winning streak alive after falling 121-113 to the Orlando Magic. They won’t have much rest before they have to head to Miami for the next game against the Heat tomorrow. Jimmy Butler’s return to Florida, especially against his old team is supposed to be about theatrics and a revenge tour. It’s instead lacklustre and exhausting.

The guy himself showed tremendous fatigue after the game in Orlando’s Kia Center. When asked if he’s going to suit up against his former team tomorrow, he had a very ominious response. “Who knows?” x4. Butler was not bouncing with energy to stick it to the team that left him with ‘no joy.’ He seemed eager to hit the bed really and said, “We’ll see how we feel when we wake up.”

When asked about his physical play with Jalen Suggs today, Butler was again too tired to answer and said, “Y’all done?” 

Nothing felt snarky or indifferent. Butler looked physically weary through a gruelling cross-country schedule. Rest might take precedence over revenge. Considering the larger context, there’s 50/50 chance he sits out tomorrow’s game.

He might not even be the only one. Stephen Curry revealed he tweaked his angle while playing against the Spurs. He had a less productive game against the Pelicans after that and hinted he’s likely to sit out tomorrow too.

Both Butler and Curry were on fire tonight. Jimmy scored 33 points and Steph had a game-high 34. Yet the fatigue had gotten to their teammates who made less than 10 points across the board. Curry and Butler alone couldn’t outscore the Magic led by Desmond Bane who had 23 and five others scoring in double digits.

The Warriors were showing signs of tiredness overall. Mistakes were made, Butler had foul trouble, more turnovers were committed, the Magic made 21 points off the Warriors’ 18 turnovers. At one point Butler got exasperated with Buddy Hield after a turnover and yelled, “I’m never passing you the ball again.”

You could see that Steve Kerr is extremely concerned ahead of tomorrow’s game.

Warriors’ schedule throws a damper on Jimmy Butler’s return to Miami

The Golden State Warriors started the season relatively healthy. They’ve been on a road trip since October 30, playing against the Bucks, Pacers, Kings, Thunder, the Spurs twice in San Antonio, and Pelicans. They hosted the Suns and Pacers in between but the schedule has been harsh on them and all teams across the league.

Steve Kerr said, “The Miami game will be our 17th game in 29 days in 13 different cities. It’s been the toughest early schedule I’ve ever been a part of in my entire NBA life,” before the game against Orlando. He revealed a fear that the Warriors’ medical staff has raised about the growing soft-tissue injuries across the league.

Kerr himself has lost a starter in Jonathan Kuminga who is sidelined for the third straight game with ilateral knee patellar tendonitis. The Magic also had no Paolo Banchero who is sidelined by groin strain.

By the sounds of it, Kerr might have a shorthanded team tomorrow. The last time they were in Miami was in March. It was Butler’s first game back since the blockbuster February trade that was overshadowed by Luka Doncic coming to LA. It however, was nothing like Happy Gilmore. Jimmy Butler only had 11 points and the Dubs lost 86-112. Redemption though might not be on the cards tomorrow since Butler doesn’t seem to be in the mood.