Jimmy Butler Ignites New Hope in Warriors Fans

LOS ANGELES – Fresh off a hard-fought 34 minutes on the court in a victory against the Lakers, Draymond Green encapsulated the impact of Jimmy Butler’s arrival in early February with a single word: “Belief.” According to Green, Butler didn’t need to transform the Warriors’ culture. Unlike his previous teams in Minnesota, Philadelphia, or even Miami, Golden State wasn’t in search of a new leader but rather a solid player. The team didn’t require Butler’s vocal leadership off the court, but rather his dynamic presence on it.

With Butler, Golden State has seen significant improvement, boasting a record of 19–2 when he and Stephen Curry play together. This performance has helped the Warriors maintain their position at No. 5 in the Western Conference, though the competition is fierce. They are only 1 ½ games behind Denver for the No. 3 seed and a mere game ahead of the Clippers for No. 8. Such fluctuations are typical in the competitive Western Conference.

This was exactly what the Warriors were aiming for: a chance to compete. Before acquiring Butler, the team was performing decently but lacked the edge to be exceptional. They seemed destined to waste another peak year of Green and Curry without contending for a championship. The duo didn’t demand a blockbuster trade; they simply wanted an opportunity to compete in meaningful games. The Warriors management responded accordingly.

“The way we’re playing now,” Curry observed, “reflects what Jimmy has brought to our team.”

In Thursday’s game, Butler scored 11 points in 36 minutes. He didn’t take his first shot until halfway through the second quarter, but his impact was felt in other areas: harassing LeBron James and Luka Doncic, intercepting passes (three steals), and, in the closing minute with the Lakers trailing by seven, charging through Austin Reaves to earn free throws. Shortly after, he funneled a Doncic attempt to Green, who stripped the ball.

“Did a great job,” Green noted. “Drove him right down to me.”

Everyone was pleasantly surprised by Butler’s influence, expecting an improvement over his turbulent final days in Miami, but not to the extent that he has reinvigorated both Curry and Green. This revitalization has spread throughout the team.

“You can’t be a cornerstone of a franchise, be given the chance at the stage we’re at in our careers, and not give it your all,” stated Green. “And if we do that, then everyone else must as well.”

At 35, Green remains one of the NBA’s premier defenders, possibly even the best. Observing Green play defense is akin to watching Will Hunting solve a complex equation. When he’s not intercepting passes, he’s instructing teammates like Quinten Post and Brandin Podziemski on defensive strategies. Victor Wembanyama’s midseason departure has left the Defensive Player of the Year award up for grabs, and Green is stepping up to claim it.

“I see it as my duty to be our defensive anchor,” Green expressed. “I thrive on being a disruptor.”

Curry continues to excel as a scorer, an area where he remains among the elite. He scored 37 points against the Lakers, following a 52-point performance against Memphis two days prior. His scoring has increased since Butler joined, who, though not a spacer like Klay Thompson, creates mismatches in the post and is an adept passer.

“He’s such a connector,” Curry said of Butler. “And his presence on both ends of the floor is significant. He makes the right moves and the vibe of our team right now reflects not just his impact on me and Draymond as stars, but he’s lifting everyone’s performance. That’s a big part of why we’re thriving.”

Indeed, the starting lineup of Curry, Green, Butler, Podziemski, and Moses Moody has a perfect record of 13-0 this season. Podziemski scored 22 points in the first half alone on Thursday, ending the game with 28 points. Moody contributed 13 points. Jonathan Kuminga rounded out the stat sheet with 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while also playing a key defensive role against James and Doncic. Green mentioned the team has been encouraging Kuminga to elevate his game. This improved version of him “takes this team to another level,” according to Green.

While nobody is openly talking about championships yet, the first objective, as Curry puts it, is to secure a playoff series. “The next step is to win four games, and then we’ll see where it goes from there.” But the confidence is palpable. Golden State is embracing the intensity of these final regular season games, viewing them as vital preparation for their young stars with limited postseason experience. And with seasoned playoff veterans like Butler on the team, who has led two Miami teams to the Finals, the Warriors have every reason to believe they can contend. His game, built for the high-pressure months of May and June, combined with his ability to score in the post, draw fouls, and defend aggressively, provides everything the team needs. He has reignited a once-dwindling dynasty, giving them a shot at finishing strong.

“He’s brought a sense of belief to this group that we feel we can win again,” Green concluded. “And that’s exactly how we’re playing.”