Stephen Curry’s red-hot milestone and the Warriors’ five-game winning streak: Are they championship contenders again?

The Golden State Warriors have found their rhythm at a crucial time in the season, surging to a five-game winning streak and boasting an impressive 12-2 record since acquiring Jimmy Butler in a blockbuster trade. With a mix of veteran leadership, sharp shooting, and a renewed defensive intensity, the Warriors have cemented themselves as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.

In their latest 130-120 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, several Warriors delivered standout performances, highlighting the team’s depth, efficiency, and strategic adjustments under head coach Steve Kerr. As the postseason approaches, Golden State’s resurgence signals that they are peaking at the perfect time.

The Jimmy Butler Factor: A Game-Changer for Golden State

When the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler, the NBA world had mixed reactions. Some doubted how he would fit into a system that revolves around Stephen Curry’s off-ball movement and three-point shooting, while others questioned whether Butler could adapt to a more motion-oriented offense. However, Butler has silenced all critics, proving to be the missing piece in Golden State’s puzzle.

Triple-Double Leadership

In the win against Portland, Butler posted a triple-double, tallying:

• 15 points
• 10 rebounds
• 10 assists
• 3 steals

While his scoring numbers may not jump off the page, his playmaking, defense, and toughness have transformed the Warriors’ dynamic. He has provided a defensive anchor, often guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player while facilitating the offense when Curry rests.

Butler’s leadership has also been invaluable. His relentless mentality has rubbed off on younger players like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga, helping them develop confidence and a winning mindset.

Stephen Curry’s Continued Dominance

Despite entering his mid-30s, Stephen Curry continues to be the driving force behind the Warriors’ success. Against the Trail Blazers, he dropped:

• 24 points
• 4 assists
• 2 steals

With this performance, Curry moved within two three-pointers of reaching the historic 4,000 career three-pointers milestone—a feat that underscores his status as the greatest shooter in NBA history.

Curry’s ability to bend defenses, create space, and make clutch shots remains unparalleled. Even when he isn’t lighting up the scoreboard, his gravity forces opposing defenses to overcommit, creating open looks for teammates like Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II.

Unsung Heroes: Depth Making the Difference

Golden State’s recent success hasn’t just been about its superstars. The supporting cast has stepped up in a big way, proving that the Warriors have one of the deepest rosters in the NBA.

Gary Payton II: Career-High Performance

Gary Payton II had the best scoring night of his career against Portland, finishing with:

• 26 points (career-high)
• 1 steal
• 1 block

Payton has thrived in transition, defensive assignments, and off-ball movement, making him a perfect fit alongside Curry and Butler. His hustle plays and ability to finish at the rim have added another dimension to Golden State’s offensive arsenal.

Buddy Hield’s Shooting Prowess

The addition of Buddy Hield has also paid dividends. Against the Blazers, he contributed:

• 20 points
• 7 rebounds
• 2 steals

Hield shot 6-of-9 from three-point range, demonstrating why Golden State pursued him aggressively. His ability to space the floor has unlocked new offensive sets, preventing defenses from focusing solely on Curry and Butler.

Moses Moody’s Emerging Role

Second-year guard Moses Moody has quietly become a key contributor. In the latest win, he added:

• 20 points
• 1 steal

Moody’s confidence, improved defense, and shooting efficiency have made him a valuable piece off the bench. As the Warriors gear up for a deep playoff run, his development could prove crucial in high-stakes games.

How the Warriors Turned Their Season Around

A few weeks ago, Golden State was fighting for a play-in spot, struggling with inconsistency, injuries, and defensive lapses. Now, they’ve surged to the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 36-28 record.

Key Factors Behind the Resurgence

1. Defensive Identity Restored

At the beginning of the season, the Warriors struggled defensively, often allowing opponents to score easily in the paint and failing to close out shooters. However, the acquisition of Butler, increased minutes for Payton II, and renewed energy from Draymond Green have revitalized their defensive intensity.

In the past 14 games, Golden State has held opponents to an average of 108 points per game—a significant improvement from their early-season defensive struggles.

2. Ball Movement and Offensive Fluidity

The Warriors have returned to their signature motion offense, ranking top five in assists per game over their last 10 matchups. With Butler acting as a secondary playmaker, Curry and Hield have found themselves getting cleaner looks.

Golden State’s pace and spacing have also improved. They are averaging 16.5 fast-break points per game since acquiring Butler, emphasizing a faster transition attack.

3. Three-Point Efficiency

Golden State has always been known for its three-point shooting, but their recent improvement in shot selection and ball movement has resulted in higher efficiency. Over the past 14 games, the Warriors are:

• Shooting 40.3% from three (up from 36.2% before the trade)
• Averaging 15.8 made threes per game
• Spreading the floor better with Hield and Moody contributing consistently

What’s Next for the Warriors?

Upcoming Schedule

Golden State’s next test comes against the Sacramento Kings, a team they’ve had thrilling battles with over the past two seasons. With the playoff race heating up, every game matters as they aim to avoid the play-in tournament and secure a top-six seed.

Key matchups to watch:

• Curry vs. De’Aaron Fox: A battle of elite guards.
• Draymond Green vs. Domantas Sabonis: Physicality in the paint.
• Hield vs. Kevin Huerter: Perimeter snipers facing off.

Can They Push for a Top-Four Seed?

While the Warriors currently sit at sixth place, a strong finish could see them climb into the top four, securing home-court advantage in the first round. Given their recent form, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them finish with 48+ wins.

Stephen Curry’s Historic Milestone

As mentioned earlier, Curry is just two three-pointers away from reaching 4,000 career threes. This milestone will further solidify his legacy as the greatest shooter the game has ever seen. Expect a special moment in the upcoming Kings game, where he will likely achieve this historic feat.

Final Thoughts: Are the Warriors Championship Contenders Again?

The Warriors’ resurgence over the past month has reshaped the narrative surrounding their season. Initially written off as a team in decline, they have reasserted themselves as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.

With Curry still playing at an elite level, Butler bringing toughness and playmaking, and role players stepping up, the Warriors have all the pieces needed for a deep playoff run.

Why They Can Win It All:

✅ Elite shooting and spacing
✅ Championship experience (Curry, Green, Butler, Thompson, Payton II)
✅ Versatile defense that can switch and adapt
✅ Depth with Hield, Moody, and Kuminga contributing consistently

As the NBA playoffs approach, the Golden State Warriors are sending a clear message to the league: They’re back, and they mean business!