Butler lauded his teammates after their 126-121 play-in win over the LA Clippers on Wednesday, shouting out Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, Gui Santos, and “Big Al.” He also gave a shout to Will Richard, who he said was over there cheering his heart out. The moment underscored the value Butler sees in the Warriors’ depth and spirit as they pursue an unexpectedly tight window to keep their season alive.
Gui Santos continues to emerge as a potential X-factor for Golden State. The 2022 second-round pick finished the Clippers win with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists, further illustrating his growth from a G League prospect to a credible NBA rotation option. ESPN analyst Tim Legler recently suggested Santos could develop into a long-term small forward for the Warriors, noting his ability to handle, pass, shoot, and defend with energy and a smile that endears him to teammates.
Legler’s assessment aligns with a broader acknowledgment of Santos’ rising impact as the season progresses, highlighting his age, athleticism, and late-blooming development as key ingredients for a lasting role in Golden State’s lineup. This development has given the Warriors added optimism about their youth contributing meaningfully in high-stakes games.
In the play-in context, the Suns enter as favorites at home, with Golden State holding a 3-1 edge in the regular-season series. Externally, veteran wing Dillon Brooks—who knows Draymond Green well—said he would have preferred seeing the Warriors advance to face them, expressing admiration for Steph Curry and the team and describing an elimination-game dynamic that favors proven players in Curry and Kerr’s system.
The winner of Warriors vs. Suns will advance to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, with the Thunder widely regarded as favorites to repeat as NBA champions. As the play-in shifts toward its climax, Butler’s presence on the bench and Santos’ continued breakout provide a narrative throughline for Golden State’s bid to extend its season and challenge higher-seeded postseason foes.
