SAN FRANCISCO — As Steph Curry backpedaled from his stepback 3-pointer over P.J. Washington in front of the Dallas bench, he unveiled his signature celebration: Night. Night.

What’s curious about this moment is that it occurred with 2 minutes and 50 seconds still on the clock in the third quarter.

Normally cautious about revealing his celebration too early, Curry didn’t hold back, surprisingly confident despite the risk of potential embarrassment. He was fueled by a desire for payback, recalling how Washington had imitated his gesture after the Mavericks defeated the Warriors in Dallas on February 12—a game in which Washington didn’t play. The Warriors remember.

So, when the opportunity arose, Curry delivered his signature move back to Washington, showcasing his own growing confidence these days.

“The Night-Night celebration isn’t always predictable,” Curry commented. “It depends on my feelings at that moment. You have to be on top of your game to do it, though.”

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A month back, Curry was holding bleak press conferences following disheartening losses. Now, he’s taunting opponents midway through the game. This level of bravado hasn’t been seen since he pointed at his ring finger during the 2022 NBA Finals against Boston.

Enter Jimmy Butler.

“Absolutely,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr confirmed. “Jimmy brings us a level of swagger.”

When Draymond Green boldly predicted that the Warriors would clinch a championship on February 16—expressing the sentiment live on TNT during NBA All-Star Weekend after sharing it privately days earlier—questions arose about the origins of this newfound confidence. The answer, according to key members of the team, lies in the valuable lessons learned during their championship pursuits. They’re aware of the elevated potential since acquiring Butler from Miami. A familiar sense of hope has returned.

“I know what success looks like,” Green explained to The Athletic. “This team has been close all year, but there was something stopping us from breaking through. We felt there was a missing piece, and that piece is no longer absent. It’s him.”

The Warriors have sought a blend of talent and presence, especially since Kevin Durant’s departure in 2019. With their core trio of Curry, Green, and Klay Thompson aging, the need became more pressing, especially when Thompson left via free agency and their younger players struggled to meet expectations.

The Warriors explored options like LeBron James during the 2024 trade deadline and pursued Paul George and Lauri Markkanen over the summer, but significant deals fell through. They even nearly reunited with Durant, with a deal almost finalized before Durant’s lack of interest turned them away.

This all led them to Butler, who was looking for a franchise that could help him reach his potential.

“Jimmy was on the verge of winning championships leading his team—twice,” Green stated about Butler, who has signed a two-year, $112 million extension with the Warriors through summer 2027. “He just required a bit more to reach the next level. We also needed that extra piece. Together, we both bring an undeniable passion for winning.”

It’s been six games since Butler joined, culminating in a dominant 126-102 victory over a struggling Mavericks team. Notably, this opponent represented the only loss for the Warriors in the Butler era, following the four-point setback in Dallas on February 12, where Washington’s taunting began.

The Warriors have shifted toward a more cohesive, two-way team approach. With Butler and Green as standout defenders, the team’s overall balance has significantly improved, ranking sixth in both defensive and offensive ratings since Butler’s debut on February 8. Before his arrival, they ranked 10th defensively and 18th in offense. Their net rating improved from 16th prior to the trade to fifth afterward.

Butler’s impact resonates with the team’s vibe. After years in Miami advocating for stronger roster support, he finds himself embraced by future Hall of Famers like Curry and Green, leading him to share Green’s optimistic outlook on what lies ahead.

“I don’t focus on social media, so I missed that,” Butler mentioned about Green’s prediction while celebrating in the visiting locker room after a recent game. “But we have potential. It’s not just because I’m here; it’s a team belief that we can win. That’s the main thing.”

“When everyone believes, you can achieve it. I’m not going to assume how things were before I arrived, but when I look around the locker room, I see joy and excitement for playing together. We have that confidence that we should win every time we hit the court—home or away.”

Prior to Butler’s arrival, Green pushed for the front office to secure another “tough competitor”—an asset reflecting the same grit and determination he brings to the floor.

Warriors legend Andre Iguodala excelled in that role, along with beloved veterans like David West and Andrew Bogut. However, Butler, as Green points out, embodies what the team needs now.

“I know what a championship team looks like,” Green asserted. “Winning isn’t always about being the better team. It’s about knowing how to triumph. Our team needed more of that element, and we found it in Butler.”

Not everyone within the Warriors organization believed Butler would be the right fit. While his talent and winning mentality were undeniable, concerns lingered about his age (35) and his unpredictability—whether he’d be the determined player who led the Heat or someone causing friction on social media.

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Even as Warriors insiders had reservations regarding Butler, recent developments suggest he was uncertain about partnering with them as well. On February 3, amidst his tumultuous exit from Miami, reports emerged indicating that Butler had little interest in extending his contract with the Warriors should a trade occur. Initially, this seemed like a deliberate attempt from Butler to dissuade the Warriors from pursuing him.

Yet three weeks later, as Butler relaxed at his locker after a win against Sacramento, he confidently addressed that topic with ease.

“In the most humble way, I fit well everywhere,” Butler stated, currently averaging 20.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals since joining Golden State. “I play the game the right way. I don’t take a ton of 3s, but I know how to operate on the court effectively. I’ll defend, get steals, draw fouls, and assist my teammates consistently. That’s how I help teams win. The key for me here is feeling wanted. And I’m valued here. That matters.”

Butler’s contentment highlights his impressive start with the Warriors.

“I see my role clearer than ever,” he added. “Everyone understands their purpose on this team, and that’s significant. There’s no contention for shots; we know where the ball should go when it matters. In crunch time, we slow the game down, take smart shots, and care for the ball—principles that lead to high-level victories.”

Butler’s influence has revitalized not just Curry and Green, but also the bench players.

The Warriors excel during the minutes Curry is off the court, largely thanks to Butler’s leadership. Young talents like Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody have thrived post-trade, and even rookie Quinten Post has found new energy. There’s a renewed vitality among the reserves as well.

One notable fast break against the Mavericks showcased this changing dynamic. Leading by 26, Butler pushed the pace, penetrating the defense before dishing the ball to Podziemski for a three-pointer from the corner, illustrating the synergy forming within the team.

In fact, the Warriors have outscored opponents by 30 points during the last six games with Butler on the court and Curry resting—a stark contrast to a minus-90 rating during the season’s first 51 games without Curry.

Curry enjoyed a full rest in the fourth quarter against the Mavericks, highlighting the new depth. After Podziemski’s three-pointer, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd called a timeout, conceding defeat. In a moment of celebration, Podziemski leaped onto Butler’s back, who grinned with joy.

Witness the impact of Jimmy Butler.

(Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)