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From time to time, the writers at NBA.com will delve into significant narratives or popular discussions occurring within the league.
Are the Warriors, who found themselves in 10th place in the Western Conference at the beginning of February, now a serious contender in the West?
Climbing from 10th to 6th certainly screams “serious contender” to me. A mix of basketball dynamics and the mental boost from acquiring Jimmy Butler has been a game-changer, propelling the Warriors to a 15-3 streak since Butler’s arrival.
Butler’s presence on the court allows Golden State to pivot their approach, methodically control the game, and effectively draw fouls. With Honeymoon Jimmy on their side, he’s dedicated, present, and exudes positivity. The two-year extension gifted to him upon joining aligns him with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green for a couple more playoff runs.
In the Warriors’ context, being a “serious contender” likely caps at the conference semifinals. While an upset in the first round isn’t out of the question, the team lacks the necessary rebounding and rim protection to progress further.
Despite the defeat to Denver on Monday—only Golden State’s second loss in 17 games with Butler on board—the Warriors should not be underestimated come playoff time. Eight out of the last ten NBA Finals have featured either Stephen Curry and Draymond Green from Golden State (2015-2020, 2022) or Butler with Miami (2020, 2023).
Integrating a player of Butler’s playoff experience into the most successful team of the past decade adds a layer of danger. This is particularly true against some of the younger squads they might face early in the playoffs. Since Butler debuted on February 8, the Warriors have ranked among the top five in both offensive (118.8, 5th) and defensive (107.6, 2nd) efficiency. Being top five on both sides of the ball is a characteristic of championship-caliber teams, which the revamped Warriors now resemble.
Is there a genuine chance for them to win the West? With only Oklahoma City seemingly a step ahead of the rest, the Warriors have a shot, provided all goes well. That’s the most optimistic outlook.
Two key factors give the Warriors an edge: Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler have proven they can rise to the occasion in the playoffs. Draymond Green shares that winning mentality too.
Thus, it all hinges on Jonathan Kuminga, the role players, and how they handle high-pressure moments (whether on offense or defense).
There’s a vacancy for the title of second-best team in the Western Conference, and the Warriors are as capable as any contender for the spot. They hold a 15-2 record with Butler on the court, consistently ranking in the top five on both ends of the floor since his addition. While the recent schedule hasn’t been the toughest, it does include road victories against the Bucks, Rockets, and Knicks. Butler’s offensive performance hasn’t been stellar, boasting just a 44.8% shooting rate in his 17 games with Golden State.
Once again, the Western Conference playoffs promise to be exciting. The Thunder are the clear favorites, but any team in the top eight has the potential to reach the conference finals. The Warriors’ challenges may revolve around their offensive efficiency, and they will likely need Butler to elevate his shooting in the playoffs compared to his regular-season efforts.
