Warriors Outlast Pelicans in Fiery Finish Without Curry as Butler, Fears Clash Late
The Golden State Warriors got back in the win column with a 104-96 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center, but the scoreboard wasn’t the only thing heating up. In a fourth-quarter showdown that had playoff-level energy, tempers flared between Jimmy Butler and rookie Jeremiah Fears, capping off an already intense night with a dramatic ejection and a viral moment.
With just 44 seconds left in regulation, Butler was setting up for a three-point attempt when the whistle blew. As he paused, Fears-coming in from behind-swiped at the ball in an apparent attempt to dislodge it.
That move lit the fuse. Butler took exception, and the two quickly got into a heated exchange.
Players and officials rushed in to break it up, but the damage was done. Both were hit with technical fouls, and for Fears, it was his second of the night, leading to an automatic ejection.
The incident quickly made the rounds on social media, with video of the confrontation going viral in minutes. While the exact words exchanged remain unclear, the body language said plenty-this was more than just a routine dust-up. It was the kind of moment that reminds you how thin the line is between competitive fire and confrontation, especially in a close game.
Butler Carries the Load in Curry’s Absence
With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a left quadriceps contusion, the Warriors needed someone to take the reins. Jimmy Butler answered the call.
The veteran forward logged 37 minutes and delivered a near triple-double: 24 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds. He was the heartbeat of the offense all night, orchestrating plays, attacking the rim, and setting the tone on both ends of the floor.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Butler. Early in the first quarter, he took a hard fall that left him visibly shaken.
He stayed in the game but was clearly feeling the effects. Afterward, Butler downplayed the injury in classic Butler fashion.
“It’s all good. Be alright.
Got a lot of cushioning back there. Straight [expletive]… I am (hurting).
I was. I’ll be fine.
Got a day, two days to recover. Get back into it,” he said, showing the kind of toughness that’s become synonymous with his name.
He also expressed hope to be back in action for the Warriors’ next matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Butler wasn’t alone in carrying the load. Gary Payton II came through with a gritty double-double, tallying 19 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. His energy on both ends of the floor was a difference-maker, especially with Curry out of the lineup.
Brandin Podziemski also turned in a strong performance. The rookie guard played 33 minutes and chipped in 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds. He continues to show poise beyond his years, and his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game is quickly earning him a larger role in the rotation.
What’s Next
With the win, the Warriors bounced back from a narrow 104-100 loss to the Houston Rockets and improved their footing in the Western Conference standings. More importantly, they showed they can weather the storm when their superstar is sidelined.
Next up: a home tilt against the Oklahoma City Thunder. If Butler’s body holds up and the supporting cast keeps rising to the occasion, the Warriors could be building some valuable momentum heading into December.
But let’s not forget the subtext from this one. The Butler-Fears clash may have been a momentary spark, but it added an edge to a game that already had plenty of storylines. And if these two teams meet again down the road, don’t be surprised if there’s some leftover tension waiting to resurface.