The fireworks on the court were typified by a viral interaction between Warriors star Jimmy Butler and the Rockets' Dillon Brooks, but the drama continued post-game as Golden State forward Draymond Green took exception with comments that former Rockets guard Eddie Johnson made on X.

“He’s the best defender I’ve ever seen in my life. He rises to the occasion,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “On top of being a great defender, he’s an incredible competitor. We’ve seen it. I’ve seen it for 11 years. Game on the line, Draymond making a stop. It’s like having Steph Curry take the shot.”

The Warriors on Feb. 5 sent a protected 2025 first-round pick and four players — Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, and Lindy Waters III — to various destinations in the complicated, multi-team deal that brought Butler to the Bay from Miami. Golden State signed Butler to a two-year, $121 million contract extension through 2027.