Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) picks up forward Jimmy Butler III (10) after a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images After Hield was heroic during the Warriors' Game 7 win over the Houston Rockets—leading the team with 33 points—Butler couldn't avoid being nice to Hield anymore.

In fairness to Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob, this was the farthest thing from a victory lap. He was standing still, for starters, playing the role of head cheerleader in the corner of the Toyota Center court where the players whose massive paychecks he covers were practically skipping back to the visitors’ locker room to celebrate their Game 7 finish over the Houston Rockets.

The Warriors faced the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2025 playoffs and won the series in seven games. Butler, who missed Game 3 after getting hurt in Game 2, averaged 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks in the best-of-seven series. He only missed one game after suffering a pelvic contusion in Game 2.