For the Golden State Warriors, hope blossomed three months ago with the acquisition of Jimmy Butler before the trade deadline on February 6. The optimism grew as Draymond Green confidently declared a championship was within reach. The Warriors, once perceived as a fading dynasty, were rejuvenated.

With Butler’s arrival, the Warriors reshaped their trajectory, climbing from the 10th spot in the Western Conference to emerge as strong contenders with the best post-All-Star break defense. They successfully navigated the play-in game against the Memphis Grizzlies and triumphed over the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.

However, the steep road ahead took a toll when Curry suffered a hamstring strain, resulting in a series of defeats against the Minnesota Timberwolves, leading to their elimination in Game 5. The loss stung sharply, with Curry close to a comeback, but the Warriors maintained perspective, acknowledging the competitive nature of playoffs.

Despite the disappointment, faith remains high among the team. With Curry, Butler, and Green set to return, the Warriors believe they are on the verge of greatness, geared up to tackle the challenges of a growing Western Conference.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the spotlight turns to Jonathan Kuminga, drafted 7th overall in 2021, who has fluctuated between key contributor and less effective role player. His performance without Curry showed promise, making him an exciting prospect in the upcoming offseason. The Warriors also have Brandin Podziemski, who, despite postseason struggles, exhibited potential in his recent appearances.

The season was transformative, with Butler’s impact turning doubt into belief. As Coach Steve Kerr stated, “Jimmy changed our season, flipped everything for us.” While the journey ended earlier than hoped, the internal confidence of the Warriors remains unmistakable for the future ahead.