Hope! Sometimes, that’s all you need to make it to the top. And the Jimmy Butler trade has given the Warriors exactly that. Since adding him to the roster, they have won five of their six games and climbed to the ninth seed in the West. Only one win separates them and the sixth-seeded Clippers, who suffered a blowout loss to the Pistons last night and put the Bay Area team back in the playoff picture. But one man stands in the way, making Stephen Curry and Co.’s life difficult. Anthony Edwards!
While the Warriors continue to gain momentum, Ant-Man is also on a run of his own and has kept the Timberwolves glued to the seventh spot. Even last night, he brought the Minnesota franchise out of a massive hole as they trailed by 22 points heading into the final quarter against the mighty OKC Thunder. But just when a loss seemed inevitable, Edwards willed his team to a massive fourth-quarter comeback and led them to a three-point victory in overtime. He finished with a near triple-double, racking 17 points, 8 assists and 13 rebounds.
The Wolves just locked in their 32nd win, pulling two games ahead of the Warriors and holding their ground in the standings. But here’s where things get wild—the race for the sixth to ninth seed is a complete toss-up.
Four teams are crammed together, separated by just two wins. The Clippers are clinging to sixth, the Mavs are sitting in eighth, and everything in between is up for grabs. But if Anthony Edwards and Co. continue to beat the top teams like they did last night, the Warriors might not be able to overtake them even if they play well.
The Clippers lose in Detroit and the Warriors are now only one game out of the sixth spot. It’s a logjam between sixth and ninth.
6. Clippers: 31-26
7. Wolves: 31-27 (down 24 in OKC)
8. Mavericks: 31-27
9. Warriors: 30-27
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 25, 2025
However, Steve Kerr seems to have tremendous faith in his roster, especially Steph, who he believes has found a new life since the Butler trade. Addressing Curry’s rejuvenated form, the head coach said on The Willard & Dibs Show, “Yeah, I see the same thing and I think he has expressed that many times to the media. He just wants to play meaningful basketball and I love that. I think it’s a great phrase because its humble, but it’s also hopeful. And he’s basically telling everybody that you know give us a chance because we have a shot and we’re gonna make the most of it.” Moreover, Kerr is aware of how far his team needs to go to achieve their goal.
Steve Kerr is keeping track of the scoreboard as he credits Warriors management for Jimmy Butler trade
Since partnering with Butler, Steph is averaging an impressive 29 points per game. And the Warriors’ offense has looked far more organized and efficient because of it. Sure enough, Kerr credits the front office for it, “I think the trade has given us a chance. Steph feels that. Our fans feel it. We needed a shake up and it was the right deal at the right time. Jimmy just happened to be available and Mike Dunleavy did a great job of making it happen.” Although many initially doubted Jimmy’s fit with the team, he has adjusted brilliantly to Kerr’s system, averaging 20 points and nearly six rebounds.
This has given the Warrior the belief that they can reach the mountaintop once again, as Draymond Green even claimed on Live TV during All-Star Weekend, “We are going to win the Championship.” Of course, there is still a long way to go before that happens and turns out, Kerr is keeping constant track of the league standings as Anthony Edwards and other stars threaten their playoff push. When asked if he was watching the scoreboard, he revealed, “Every day… Trust me, I’ve been watching.”
Well, the goal is clear for the Warriors and their only focus is to stay healthy and continue the impressive run they have been on recently. Do you think they can make a legitimate title run with Jimmy on their side?
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