The Golden State Warriors continue their late-season resurgence with yet another impressive performance, improving their record to 22-6 since acquiring All-Star forward Jimmy Butler. The latest win not only underscores their revitalized chemistry but also solidifies their position in the highly competitive Western Conference, where they currently sit in the sixth seed.
With the playoffs fast approaching, the Warriors are hitting their stride at just the right time. The addition of Butler has brought a new layer of intensity and leadership to the squad, complementing the core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. Butler’s presence has also allowed the team’s younger players to grow more confidently in their roles, and the impact is evident.
In the team’s most recent win, it was not just the veterans who made their mark. Rookie guard Brandin Podziemski delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 22 points and knocking down four shots from beyond the arc. The 21-year-old continues to prove he belongs on the big stage, showing poise and an increasingly refined offensive game. His shooting, court vision, and relentless hustle have earned him valuable minutes in a loaded rotation.
Equally impressive was Trayce Jackson-Davis, who added 13 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting from the field while grabbing eight rebounds. Jackson-Davis’s energy in the paint and ability to finish through contact have made him a reliable contributor off the bench. His development throughout the season has been a bright spot for the Warriors, who have leaned more into their depth during this stretch.
Stephen Curry continues to be the driving force for the Warriors, and while he didn’t headline the box score in this particular game, his leadership and gravitational pull on the court remain unmatched. With Butler in the lineup, Curry has been afforded more flexibility, often working off the ball to create mismatches and open shots. The synergy between the two All-Stars has injected a new level of unpredictability into Golden State’s offense.
Since Butler’s arrival, the Warriors have not only found consistency but have rediscovered their defensive identity. Butler, known for his grit and intensity on the defensive end, has set the tone, and his teammates have followed suit. Draymond Green, always the heart of the team’s defensive schemes, seems reinvigorated by the challenge, while Andrew Wiggins has stepped up his perimeter defense as well.
Golden State’s recent stretch has featured quality wins against top-tier opponents, demonstrating that their hot streak is no fluke. They’ve embraced a balanced attack — blending veteran savvy with youthful energy — and are starting to resemble the championship-caliber team fans have grown accustomed to over the past decade.
With only a few games remaining in the regular season, the Warriors are now looking to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. If their current momentum holds, they’ll enter the postseason as one of the most dangerous lower-seeded teams — battle-tested, experienced, and more importantly, red-hot.
As the Western Conference continues to tighten, Golden State’s 22-6 run since the Butler trade sends a clear message: the Warriors are back, and they’re not to be taken lightly.