The year is 2022, and the Golden State Warriors just won their seventh NBA Championship. All the Boston Celtics home crowd can do is stare in pain and shock as they watch a fallen dynasty rise from the dead.
Nobody thought the Stephen Curry-led Warriors could win another Championship. After losing Kevin Durant to the Brooklyn Nets and Klay Thompson and Curry to injuries, the NBA world had all but moved on from the notorious basketball empire that ravaged the league for half a decade.
But four years removed from their 2018 title — led by a vengeful Curry — the Warriors clawed their way back to the top, teaching NBA players and fans around the world a valuable lesson: Never doubt the greatness of Stephen Curry.
While the Dubs have been dormant since, the acquisition of Jimmy Butler has reignited Championship aspirations in the Bay — much to the chagrin of the rest of the league.
Since adding Butler, it’s been smooth sailing for the boys in blue and gold.
Specifically, Butler’s ability to get to the line seems to have inspired his teammates to do the same. Not only are the Warriors shooting more free throws, but they’ve also gone from 30th in the league in free throw percentage to 1st since Butler’s arrival. That’s unheard of.
During Butler’s time here, the Warriors have also surged to the second-best defensive rating in the NBA, the fourth-best offensive rating, and the third-best net rating — and Butler’s still acclimating to new teammates and a new system.
All of this success translated to the Warriors’ recent climb from 10th to 6th in the Western Conference standings, heightening their chances of avoiding the play-in tournament.
Nobody wants to see the Warriors in the playoffs. They are battle-tested — perhaps more than any other team in the league. Draymond Green and Curry are playing with confidence and purpose, and after constant changes to the starting lineup throughout the season, a consistent rotation has started to emerge.
The only threat to that is Jonothan Kuminga’s return — what a great problem to have.
While the Dubs aren’t the favorites to win it all, and have been criticized for their lack of size at the center position, they look scary as the playoffs near. Who will emerge from the Western Conference is nowhere near decided, and the Warriors still have work to do to maintain their position.
Nevertheless, nobody wants to see the Warriors come playoff time.
