New looks, old result: Warriors speed past Bulls in second half as Butler debuts

This is the kind of thing that happens when a team commits to mediocrity at the NBA trade deadline.

With Jimmy Butler making his Golden State debut, the Warriors spotted the Bulls a 24-point lead and still rolled to an easy 132-111 victory at the United Center on Saturday.

The Bulls led 83-59 with 8:30 left in the third quarter. Over the next 12 minutes of game time, Golden State outscored the Bulls 53-13. Once the Warriors decided to take the game seriously, everything changed in a hurry.

Butler scored 25 points and got a nice ovation during pregame introductions as he made his Golden State debut at his original NBA home. Steph Curry poured in 34 points and received louder cheers than anyone in the game, outside of Cuppy Coffee.

Keep in mind, this isn't the 73-win Warriors juggernaut. This victory boosted Golden State's record to 26-26 on the season, not much better than the Bulls (22-31).

The Bulls had a couple of bright spots. Coby White scored 27 points and hit 6 of 9 3-pointers. Rookie Matas Buzelis got his second straight start and scored 16 points.

Before the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr talked about adding Butler, who went through several suspensions after a trade demand in Miami.

“I think we're getting Jimmy at the right time,” Kerr said. “His time in Miami expired, it ran out. You could feel it. They felt it, he felt it. So we're getting him at a time where it's probably healthy for us and healthy for Jimmy. … We need each other. I think it's going to be a great setup and we're excited for it.”

Curry recorded his 41st career 20-point quarter when he scored 24 in the third. So this performance barely registered, but it was the first time Butler saw it on the same side.

“You're talking about a killer, you're talking about a lion, somebody that wants to win — that's who he is and who he's been for a very long time,” Butler said of Curry. “I'm grateful to be his teammate and ride alongside him.”

Curry returned the compliment when he spoke of new teammate Butler. Golden State sent Andrew Wiggins and a few other pieces to make the trade with Miami.

“I think the idea that he's like the exact opposite player of me, which is kind of funny,” Curry said. “I'm shooting 16 3s, he shot 1. He got to the free-throw line a lot. He's dominating the paint, I'm dominating outside on the perimeter. It has the potential to be really fun.”

Butler had a response ready.

“They say opposites attract in a lot of ways in life,” he said. “I don't think I could be a better complement to him and vice-versa. They're not leaving him ever. There's so much space for everybody else. I get the easy job.”

Butler said he's wearing “Butler III” on the back of his jersey now as a tribute to his late father, who passed away a year ago.