When Butler arrived, Golden State was struggling to stay in the play-in picture. Since then, they’ve gone 20-6 and are playing their best basketball of the season. More than just improving the roster, Butler has raised the level of both Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. In games where Curry and Butler share the floor, the Warriors are 19-3.

That’s why Garnett said on a recent episode of his podcast KG Certified that the Warriors are the team to fear most right now. He pointed to the balance that Butler has brought to the Bay Area.

“You don’t want to see Golden State right now,” Garnett noted. “Jimmy’s not only getting them to the free-throw line but they got a nice balance. Sometimes when I watch them I think they too small. But the way they play, all they rebounds [are] long”.

Draymond Green believes Butler makes Warriors a title threat

With Steve Kerr pulling the strings, the Warriors have become legitimate contenders again—and Draymond Green says Butler is the reason. Green believes Butler’s versatility is exactly what Golden State needed to make a serious run at another championship.

“I think this team has the ability to match different lineups,” Green noted. “When you look at all championship teams, they have abilities that if a team goes big, they can match it. If a team goes small, they can match that. They need a three-point shooting lineup? They can do that. They need an all-defensive lineup? They can go to that lineup”.

“I just think the versatility of this roster with adding Jimmy Butler, and what it does against other matchups, it allows us to match up against anyone,” he continued. “That’s what you need to win a championship”.

Butler is unlocking peak Curry and Green

Butler hasn’t just helped Golden State rack up wins—he’s helped bring out the best in the team’s two core stars. Stephen Curry, no longer burdened with all the playmaking duties, has been able to focus more on scoring.

Green, on the other hand, looks like a new player. With Butler sharing the defensive workload, Green’s energy and effectiveness have reached a new level. He was just named Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for March and is now firmly in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year.

Curry was instrumental in the U.S. victory over France in the final. His ability to score from long distance was key to securing gold for the U.S. team, and a three-pointer made with little time left in the game is considered by him as one of the best of his career.

In an interview with Under Armour Basketball, Stephen Curry mentioned that his three-pointer with less than 35 seconds left in the game was one of the best shots of his career. “Four threes in a row to close out the gold medal game,” Curry said. “And then that last one, which was kind of a ridiculous shot even by my standards. So, all that to say, it’s like top two for sure.”

In addition, Curry mentioned another memorable three-pointer he scored in 2016 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. “I think the OKC game, even though it wasn’t a championship game, it was still kinda one of the Mike Breen ‘double bang’ moments,” Curry said. “Just a loud shot in our rise as a team. But I’d say the golden dagger is up there. Top two.”

Why these shots stand out in history?

Curry’s selection of these two shots not only speaks to his personal achievements but also underscores his lasting impact on the sport. The shot during the 2024 Olympics exemplifies his leadership on the international stage, solidifying his role as a global basketball icon. On the other hand, the 2016 shot against Oklahoma City Thunder is etched in NBA fans’ memories as one of the most thrilling buzzer-beaters, marking a turning point in the Warriors’ journey to greatness.

These moments represent not only Curry’s incredible shooting range and accuracy but also his mental toughness in the biggest moments, ensuring his place in NBA lore as one of the most clutch players of all time.

Poole was a bit of a rising star and had just signed a massive contract extension, whereas Paul was part of a salary-dumping deal as he entered the backend of his prime.

Basketball aside, Stephen Curry recently admitted that he felt sorry about his team giving up on Poole, although he knows this is a great opportunity for him to showcase his true skills.

Stephen Curry ‘Hated’ Losing Jordan Poole

“You hate losing JP,” Curry told The Athletic. “I know it’s not all the way official yet. So I don’t want to talk too much before it is. But that’s the tough part of the business, seeing a young guy come into his own (and then get traded).”

“It’s a great opportunity for him,” Curry added. “It’s just you get to know someone like that, build a friendship, build a bond. It’s tough to see him go. But, you know, we’re trying to win next year and CP can help us do that.”

Maybe Steph is being politically correct; maybe he does feel sorry for losing Poole. Whatever the case, it was the only way to keep Draymond Green for the long run, so it has to be worth it.