Key Highlights
- Jimmy Butler returns to Florida for the first time since being traded from the Miami Heat to the Golden State Warriors.
- The game marks a reunion between Butler and his former teammates, including Stephen Curry.
- This is the second night of a back-to-back for the Golden State Warriors after their recent win in New Orleans.
- Desmond Bane faces the Warriors for the first time since being acquired by the Orlando Magic via trade.
Jimmy Butler’s Return to Florida: A Reunion Tour
The NBA sees another star athlete making a significant return. On Tuesday, November 17, 2025, Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler will take the court in Orlando for the first time since his trade from the Miami Heat. This visit is part of a special reunion tour that has brought Butler back to the Sunshine State earlier this year.
Butler’s journey with the Warriors began early last February when he was dealt from the Miami Heat, joining the team just as they embarked on their Southeastern tours.
His first encounter with the Orlando Magic took place in late February of 2024, where he played a supporting role to Stephen Curry’s impressive 56-point performance.
Butler’s impact on the court is evident from his career statistics against the Magic: he has amassed 358 points, 93 assists, and 43 steals in games at Orlando. His experience as a Heat player also brings memories of scoring 20 or more points multiple times, including an impressive 38-point outing in March of 2023.
Curry’s Impact and the Warriors’ Recent Form
While Butler is back to face his former teammates, the Golden State Warriors have had a strong start to their season. Stephen Curry’s influence on the team cannot be overstated; as Butler described after their last meeting in Orlando: “It makes everyone want to be great on the defensive side, so we can get him the ball back and watch him do something incredible.”
Recently, the Warriors have shown resilience, recovering from a loss against Oklahoma City with victories over San Antonio and New Orleans. Their current three-game winning streak showcases their competitive spirit, with Moses Moody contributing significantly to these wins.
Bane’s First Game Against Golden State
The game will also mark Desmond Bane’s first encounter with the Warriors since joining the Orlando Magic via trade in June. His performance against Memphis has been noteworthy; averaging 22.3 points over his last four games, including multiple 3-pointers.
Bane’s experience facing the Warriors is extensive, having faced them 22 times during his tenure with the Grizzlies. In a particularly memorable game during the 2022 playoffs, Bane outshot Curry on 3-point attempts, showcasing his offensive prowess against one of the league’s top shooters.
Health and Team Status
While the focus remains on the upcoming game, it is worth noting that Paolo Banchero is sidelined with a groin injury. The absence of this key player could impact the Magic’s performance in their matchup against the Warriors.
In other news, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to miss two weeks due to a left groin strain, which will be a significant loss for his team and the league as a whole.
This game promises to bring back memories of Butler’s time with the Heat while highlighting the evolving dynamics within both teams. As the Warriors and Magic prepare for battle in Orlando, fans can expect another thrilling contest filled with star power and high-stakes competition.
