The Golden State Warriors are a completely different team since Jimmy Butler joined their roster. With Stephen Curry on fire, the Warriors recently pulled off a thrilling 121-119 comeback victory against the Brooklyn Nets. Following the win, Draymond Green acknowledged that Curry’s earlier assessment of the team was spot on, but he added that Butler’s arrival has transformed the squad.
Since the former Miami Heat star joined the Warriors, the team has won 10 of their last 12 games, with Butler delivering great performances alongside Curry. The Warriors have shifted their mindset, as evidenced by their ability to overcome a 20-point deficit against the Nets.
Earlier in the season, Curry had remarked that the team wasn’t built to stage comebacks from significant deficits. After the win against Brooklyn, Green admitted Curry was right at the time but emphasized that the Warriors are now a completely different unit with Butler in the fold.
“We can get great looks, and ultimately we know we can get stops,” Green told The Athletic. “When you have confidence in both of those, there’s no need to waver (when down 20-plus). Steph was right. We were not built to come back like that. But this is a totally different team. Totally different confidence level in this team. Totally different capabilities, if I’m being honest”.
Since Butler’s arrival, the Warriors have managed to overturn two games where they trailed by 20 points, compared to just one instance in 51 games prior to his addition.
Curry credits Butler for Warriors’ resurgence
For Curry, the Warriors’ resurgence is tied to several factors, with Jimmy Butler being a significant one. The team’s star guard praised Butler’s impact on their recent success.
“All of it, I think it’s all connected too. It starts with being healthy, feeling like yourself, the work that you’re putting in behind the scenes, preparing to play and feeling good night in and night out,” Curry said.
“Jimmy obviously helps,” Curry added. “He helps a lot, and it’s led to winning because we have a good balance and good flow, and his impact on the game is pretty obvious. It all goes together. That’s how you win in this league”.
Kerr praises Curry’s performances on road trip
In a five-game road trip, the Warriors won four matchups, with Curry shining as the team’s standout player. He dropped an impressive 56 points against the Orlando Magic and scored 40 in the recent victory over the Nets.
Head coach Steve Kerr commended Curry for his consistent brilliance on the road. “Steph just had an incredible trip,” Kerr said. “Put on a show in every city. What he does, it’s amazing. The show he puts on, the joy that he brings to so many fans who come to see him play. Every fan base loves Steph”.