Golden State Surge: Butler and Curry Erase 17-Point Deficit to Topple Knicks

SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors proved once again that at Chase Center, a double-digit lead is never safe. Despite a sluggish start and a 17-point first-half deficit, the Warriors rode a massive second-half wave to defeat the New York Knicks 126-113 on Thursday night.

The Jimmy Butler Effect

While Stephen Curry remains the face of the franchise, it was Jimmy Butler who acted as the engine for Golden State’s comeback. In one of his most aggressive performances since joining the Warriors, Butler racked up 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. His defensive intensity in the third quarter sparked a 22-4 run that completely flipped the momentum of the game.

The Splash Continues

Stephen Curry struggled early, missing his first five attempts from deep. However, the greatest shooter of all time found his rhythm when it mattered most. Curry finished with 27 points, including four crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter that silenced a late Knicks rally.

The Warriors also got a significant boost from Moses Moody, who provided a spark off the bench with 21 points, shooting a blistering 5-of-8 from beyond the arc.

Knicks Feel the Absence of Jalen Brunson

The New York Knicks (25-16) looked like the superior team in the first 18 minutes, moving the ball with precision and exploiting the Warriors' interior defense. However, the absence of All-Star guard Jalen Brunson (out with an ankle sprain) became glaringly obvious as the game tightened.

Karl-Anthony Towns was a force in the paint, finishing with a massive double-double of 17 points and 20 rebounds, but New York lacked a primary playmaker to stabilize the offense during the Warriors' second-half onslaught. OG Anunoby and Miles McBride both contributed 25 points apiece, but it wasn’t enough to stop the bleeding.

The Verdict

The Warriors (23-19) are finally starting to look like a cohesive unit as the mid-season grind continues. By integrating Butler’s grit with Curry’s gravity, Steve Kerr’s squad is becoming a nightmare matchup in the Western Conference.

For the Knicks, this loss is a reminder of how much they rely on Brunson’s late-game decision-making. They will look to regroup before heading to Los Angeles for their next matchup.

Stat of the Night: The Warriors outscored the Knicks 72-51 in the second half, shooting a collective 54% from the field.

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