When the Golden State Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler before the trade deadline, it seemed like a great opportunity for Steph Curry to play meaningful basketball again. However, it was hard to believe that one player could transform a lottery-bound team into a serious contender.
Even though the Warriors quickly started winning after Butler`s arrival, their schedule was relatively easy. Despite this, there were encouraging signs. Their defense improved, they attacked the paint more aggressively, and they drew significantly more fouls. Butler united a team that seemed to have lost its way, and Stephen Curry rediscovered his superstar form.
But it wasn`t until Butler also reached superstar level – especially in the season finale against the Clippers and the play-in game victory over Memphis – that we truly witnessed the power of what has become the NBA`s best duo. Yes, even better than LeBron James and Luka Dončić, who, despite their brilliance, have some overlapping skills.
Curry and Butler share a fierce competitive spirit, but their playing styles are completely different. Curry is the sharpshooter, while Butler excels at driving to the basket. Curry brings unpredictability, and Butler provides composure. Their complementary skills enhance each other, creating a powerful synergy.
Curry and Butler are a fantastic combination. On Sunday, they led the Warriors to a 95-85 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. Curry scored 31 points, facing tough defense from Amen Thompson. Initially, Curry seemed rushed, but he found his rhythm by attacking the basket and then his three-pointers started falling.
One incredible three-pointer at the third quarter`s midpoint extended the Warriors` lead to 23 points, seemingly securing the game. However, the Rockets narrowed the gap to four points in the fourth quarter. Then, Curry made another incredible play.
These are incredibly difficult shots. He even makes fadeaway shots that most players wouldn`t attempt in a casual game, but Curry confidently takes them in crucial moments. Butler has nicknamed him Batman, and it`s fitting. Curry, at 37, remains a basketball superhero.
However, Butler being called Robin is inaccurate. He is not just a sidekick, especially considering his recent performances since the Warriors entered playoff mode. Butler has scored 93 points in his last three games, demonstrating a different level of play.
Butler displays a selfless form of selfishness when he decides to perform at an elite level. He isn`t motivated by personal stats or recognition. He doesn`t seem to seek individual attention, but he elevates his game because it`s what the team needs at this crucial time of the year.
He focuses less on facilitating and more on scoring dominance. If that`s what it takes, he delivers.
Butler finished the game with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals, with only one turnover. The Warriors outscored opponents by 14 points during his 42 minutes on the court. Together, Curry and Butler scored 66 points on 22-of-38 shooting. No other player scored more than 14 points. In a low-scoring game, their efficient performance is invaluable.
The Warriors can rely on Curry and Butler. Even against a strong defense like Houston`s, their performance is sustainable. This is simply how great they are, both individually and as a duo.
Heading into Game 2 and the rest of the playoffs, this duo appears unstoppable.
Jasper Hawthorne