What to Look Forward to in the Warriors Final Stretch
The Golden State Warriors have had a wild start to the season, more ups and downs than anyone expected. However, the tide has shifted since the trade deadline, thanks to one name: Jimmy Butler. The missing piece that anyone wearing blue and gold hoped for finally arrived. The Warriors went into NBA All-Star Weekend with a fresh spark, and when they came back, it was clear the fire hadn’t gone out. Now, as we enter the final stretch of the season, here are four things to look forward to.
Jimmy Butler III
The Jimmy Butler III era is up and running, and Dub Nation is along for the ride. Not only is his playing style filling a much-needed gap in Steve Kerr’s system, but his infectious energy is bringing the team back to life. What was once despair is now confidence, and that’s spreading like wildfire. Butler III has something to prove, and you can tell he’s hungry for that ring.
Butler III is the first player in Warriors history to rack up 120+ points, 30+ rebounds, and 30+ assists in his first six games with the team. The Warriors are 5-1, with some arguing they should be 6-0 in this new era. Doubters have been silenced, and now, whether they’re watching in awe or clutching their pearls, no one can deny what he’s doing. Sure, he may still be figuring out his living situation, but at this point, fans in Dub Nation would probably offer him their house, or, you know, their arm or leg if he keeps playing like this.
Young Stars Blooming
Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Quinten Post are all finding their rhythm. Moody’s proving he is a man of many talents when he gets consistent minutes. He’s a solid defender, a reliable shooter, and a versatile playmaker. Podziemski, often the scapegoat for the Warriors’ struggles earlier in the season, has shown major growth alongside Butler III and has taken a huge leap in his second year. Plus, let’s not forget about Post. While he still has some work to do on the defensive end, his offensive game has been nothing short of impressive, as this seven-footer can rain threes.
The Return of Jonathan Kuminga
One of the benefits of the Jimmy Butler trade wasn’t just adding Butler himself, but also the fact that the front office kept young star Jonathan Kuminga. Before his ankle injury in January, Kuminga was on fire, averaging 16.8 points on 45.9% shooting, five boards, and 2.2 assists. Now, with Butler III on the squad, just imagine what the two of them could do together. This team is in a much better state, both mentally and in terms of play than it was before Kuminga’s injury. With him back, this is a team whose talent is overflowing and can make a run against some of the top dogs.
Easier Schedule
Look, no game is ever a guarantee, but some teams just have tougher schedules than others. The Warriors are fortunate enough to have one of the easier remaining schedules in the West, while teams ahead of them are facing much tougher competition. While climbing to the top of the standings is well out of the picture, the Warriors are in a good position to lock in the sixth seed. From there, the basketball gods can deem them worthy of another NBA Finals run.
While some might say this is the "honeymoon phase," the Warriors’ path to the playoffs is about to get a lot smoother. Butler III has reignited the team, and they’re clicking at just the right time. What once felt like an endless cycle of mediocrity has now been broken. With the final games ahead, the Warriors are in a prime position to avoid the Play-In Tournament and lock in that sixth seed for the playoffs.
