The Golden State Warriors faced dire straits as their championship core aged, with playoff exits in 2023 and a dismal 2024. With key player Klay Thompson departing, hope seemed dim until a critical trade brought Jimmy Butler to the team. Since his arrival, the Warriors have surged with a 14-3 record, climbing the Western Conference rankings and rekindling their title aspirations. Butler's defensive prowess, despite shooting struggles, has energised the team's performance, indicating a potential new phase for the Warriors under the leadership of Curry and Kerr.
The Warriors' return to the pinnacle of basketball had the whiff of a last hurrah, and indeed, their championship core faded for a second time after that.
Thompson left in free agency for the Dallas Mavericks. Curry and Green returned for what would be their age-36 and age-34 seasons, but these Warriors...were finally cooked.
Golden State are now the hottest team in basketball as the playoffs approach. They have 14 wins and three losses since 13 February.
The Butler trade is a convenient start point for the turnaround. Butler has not even found his jump shot yet... However, Butler has five all-defensive team honors to his name.
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