Just a month ago, the Golden State Warriors looked dead in the water. They were clinging on for dear life to a play-in spot in the West; Stephen Curry was their only real offensive threat, and their role players had fallen back down to earth after a hot start. However, life changes quickly in the NBA, and after acquiring Jimmy Butler, the Warriors’ season has changed drastically.
Since Butler’s arrival, Golden State is 7-1 in their last eight games and have risen to the seventh spot in the Western Conference, tied with the Timberwolves. They are also a half-game back of the sixth-place Clippers.
The Golden State Warriors are on a roll thanks to theJimmy Butler trade
The problem Golden State had prior to getting Butler was the lack of offensive firepower outside of Curry. Teams were only worried about the threat that he brings to the court, and that hurt their offense since they had no true threats. From December 1st to January 31st, the Warriors were bottom five in offensive rating. Since Butler’s debut on February 8th, Golden State has been fourth in that category (122.2) and third in net rating (15.9).
Butler’s ability to slash and get to the rim consistently has opened up the floor for the Warriors in a big way, mainly for Curry. Over his last eight games, Curry is averaging 31 points per game, including a 56-point outburst against the Orlando Magic last night. Butler’s presence as a slashing playmaker has made defenses have to split their focus between him and Curry.
Butler’s last two games have been relatively modest (11 points total), but one of them came against a Charlotte team he only had to play 19 minutes against, and Curry led the way against the Magic. As a Warrior, Butler is averaging 16/6/6, but his basketball IQ and toughness have been on full display.
With a core of Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green, complemented by role players like Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and others, Golden State will be tough to beat in a seven-game series. Curry, Butler, and Green all have ample playoff experience. They have seen it all. They will be a handful to deal with.
Just a month ago, the Warriors were headed for another lost season. Now, they look like a dark horse contender that can make serious noise in a wild, wild West.