We’ve seen plenty of NBA teams get their acts to put together strong playoff runs in recent years and 2024-25 will be no different. Several squads are looking to capitalize on the aggressive moves they made to improve ahead of the trade deadline. The Golden State Warriors have a chance to distinguish themselves from the rest, though. The Dubs acquired Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat in hopes of keeping their championship dreams alive. The perfect storm could help them climb the ranks in the Western Conference.
Golden State (28-27) ranks 11th in the Western Conference and is just outside of the Play-In Tournament picture. The Warriors would’ve entered the All-Star break riding a four-game winning streak in the Butler era had it not been for an unexpected loss to the Dallas Mavericks, but their outlook for the remainder of the regular season is strong.
The Sacramento Kings are adjusting to life without De’Aaron Fox and have gone 4-3 since dealing him to the San Antonio Spurs and the Mavericks are reeling from an Anthony Davis injury. The Phoenix Suns (26-28) are right behind the Warriors in the standings but are an abysmal 1-6 in February and appear to be going nowhere fast despite their attempts to upgrade their frontcourt.
The Dubs will return to the hardwood for matchups against the Kings and Mavericks before seeing the Charlotte Hornets twice and the Philadelphia 76ers once in their following four contests. A strong run in those matchups could propel Golden State into the top eight. Butler has improved his new team’s offense and defense early on. His presence can be a difference maker for a squad that’s underperformed so far this season.
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