Jimmy Butler leads Warriors to 123-91 win in return to Chicago

Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News on Dec 7, 2025

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CHICAGO – The Golden State Warriors are no strangers to one of their players receiving loud cheers from what should be hostile crowds on the road.

But instead of Steph Curry, the usual suspect, it was beloved former Chicago Bull Jimmy Butler who enjoyed a rousing ovation from the United Center Crowd Sunday night. Butler played the first six seasons of his career for the Bulls and made three All-Star teams.

He rewarded his still-supportive Chicago fans with 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his first game back in the Windy City since since his Golden State debut on Feb. 8.

And just like that night, the Warriors came away with a victory, this time an 123-91 triumph that gave them two wins in a row.

Playing against a Bulls defense ranked near the bottom of the league in most defensive categories, the Warriors waltzed into open jump shots and layups for most of the night. The Warriors led by as many as 24 in the third quarter, although a 14-0 Bulls run at the end of the period cut the deficit to just 10.

Butler scored five quick points — a layup and a staredown triple — to help push the lead back to 16. He made another fadeaway 3-pointer a few minutes later to give the Warriors a 22-point lead with seven minutes remaining.

They scored 40 points in the paint, made at least 20 3-pointers (22) for the third time this season and raced out to 16 points in transition. Brandin Podziemski put in 19 off the bench, Quinten Post scored 19 and made five 3-pointers and De’Anthony Melton returned to the lineup and scored 12 while playing stellar defense.

Golden State improved to 13-12, and will now have four days off before playing at home against Minnesota.

Green, Horford, Curry update

Curry has missed the past five games, but he is on track to return for Friday’s home game against Minnesota.

Hampered with a quad injury, he has remained in the Bay Area while healing. The Warriors announced on Sunday afternoon that Curry is “making good progress” and that he is expected to practice on Wednesday.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr told media on Saturday that the team will have two days off on Monday and Tuesday. So it was no surprise that the team decided to hold Al Horford (sciatica) and Draymond Green (foot) out for one more day.

The Warriors will not play another game until Friday.

“Makes sense to give them four days before the next game. Let’s be safe,” Kerr said.

Kuminga stays on the bench

Twenty-four hours after starting against Cleveland and shooting 1 of 10, Jonathan Kuminga found himself relegated to the bench on the second night of the back to back. He did not play a single second.

Kuminga has not played well since coming back from missing seven games with a knee injury, shooting just 12 of 40 and committing 12 turnovers. He was not on the pre-game injury report, and is not the first time Kuminga has found himself outside of the rotation despite being healthy.

Kerr dropped Kuminga from the rotation late last season and into the playoffs. After signing a new $46 million extension in the offseason, Kuminga began the season as a starter. However, after a poor run of form, he was moved to the bench after 12 games.

Spencer's homecoming

Butler was not the only Warriors player to enjoy a warm reception during their return to Chicagoland. Starting point guard Pat Spencer was swamped with well-wishers in the Windy City.

The former Northwestern basketball player responded by putting on a show for the United Center crowd. Coming off his first start, the breakout third-year pro continued his stellar play by putting up 12 points and six assists.

This came on the heels of his 19-point, seven-assist showing at Cleveland the night before. He has scored 52 total points over the last three games, all played without Curry.

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