Step into 2025: A Mid-Season Assessment of the Warriors
To turn the page to 2025, Steph Curry’s candid assessment of the Warriors being "mid" has resonated with many. This self-evaluation earned the Warriors a "C" grade as they entered the new year. At that point, the team was coming off an 18-point loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, bringing their record to 16-16, a .500 mark. However, as the NBA All-Star break looms, the Warriors find themselves one game above .500 at 28-27, occupying the 10th seed in the Western Conference. Despite the modest record, the team’s recent performance and the addition of Jimmy Butler have injected a new sense of optimism.
Offense: A New Identity
Since our last update, the Warriors’ offensive metrics have experienced some shifts. They’ve fallen from 17th in points per game to 19th (111.9), but their offensive rating has improved from 21st to 17th (112.1), placing them just ahead of the Chicago Bulls. The team now leads in 3-point attempts (42.5 per game) and ranks fourth in makes (15.3 per game), albeit with a 35.9 percent shooting clip, which places them 16th. However, the most significant change is the reduced reliance on 3-pointers, a direct result of Jimmy Butler’s arrival.
In the four games since Butler joined the Warriors, the team has attempted 110 free throws and made 92, including an impressive 83.6 percent accuracy. This newfound aggressiveness has transformed their offense, with the Warriors averaging 117.3 points per game in these contests, a mark that would place them above the Boston Celtics for the season. Jonathan Kuminga’s return is expected to further bolster this offensive resurgence.
Defense: Adjusting to New Realities
The loss of Andrew Wiggins, a key defensive asset, has been a significant blow. While Draymond Green remains the defensive cornerstone, Wiggins’ ability to guard elite wing scorers and stay in front of quick guards was invaluable. Jimmy Butler, though 35, is not the same on-ball defender as the 29-year-old Wiggins, but his help defense has been a revelation. Since Butler’s arrival, the Warriors have had games with 8, 16, 9, and 13 steals, showcasing a more dynamic defensive effort.
Despite these challenges, the Warriors still boast a top-10 defense, ranking ninth in defensive rating (111.8). However, they continue to struggle against hot 3-point shooting, often overhelping and leaving open shooters with too much space. The health of Gary Payton II and the continued development of Kuminga’s defensive skills will be crucial moving forward.
Stars: The Dynamic New Big Three
The final four minutes of the Warriors’ win in Houston against the Rockets encapsulated the power of their new Big Three: Curry, Butler, and Green. Curry started with a 3-pointer to extend the lead to seven points. Green followed with five points, Butler added four, and Curry contributed three. The emotional lift from the Butler trade was palpable.
In the two games before Butler made his debut, Curry scored 69 points but required 66 shots and 38 3-point attempts, hitting just 37.9 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from deep. With Butler as his co-star, Curry has averaged 31.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, shooting 45.8 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from deep. The synergy between Butler and Green is evident, with the latter contributing 13 steals and 25 assists in their four games together, making him a cumulative plus-36.
Butler, in his brief tenure, has already made a significant impact. He’s the third player in franchise history to score 20 points in each of his first three games, joining Kevin Durant and Wilt Chamberlain. His 28 free throws in his first two games are the most in a two-game stretch for a Warrior since Durant in 2018. Butler’s influence on the team, despite not being in full game shape, is undeniable.
Additions: The Butler Effect
This section could be rewritten to focus solely on Jimmy Butler, as his impact has overshadowed all other additions. The trade that brought Butler to the Warriors has been a game-changer. Other additions, such as Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, and Lindy Waters III, have not panned out, and Buddy Hield’s performance has been inconsistent. Hield’s recent benching highlights the team’s ongoing struggles with integrating new pieces. The grade here reflects the mixed results of the offseason signings and in-season trades, with Butler being the standout exception.
Youth: Developing the Next Generation
Jonathan Kuminga has only played two games in 2025 due to an ankle injury, but his return is eagerly anticipated. Trayce Jackson-Davis, who was on a roll, has seen limited playing time recently, replaced by the versatile rookie Quinten Post. Post’s 24 3-pointers in his first 15 games, shooting 39.7 percent, have made a significant impact.
Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody have emerged as key contributors. Podziemski, returning from an abdomen injury, has averaged 14.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals in his 12 games, showing his ability to fit seamlessly next to Butler. Moody, now entrenched in the rotation as a small-ball four, has averaged 12.2 points in his last 15 games, demonstrating strong 3-point shooting and improved attacking skills.
Health and Coaching: Navigating Challenges
Rick Celebrini remains a busy man, managing injuries to key players like Kuminga, Podziemski, and Draymond Green. Curry’s durability, playing in 46 of the Warriors’ 55 games, has been a significant positive, especially considering his past knee and thumb issues. His consistency has been crucial for the team’s success.
Coach Steve Kerr has used 33 different starting lineups, tied for the league lead, reflecting the team’s injury challenges and rotational adjustments. Kerr’s ability to find solid rotations despite the roster changes has been commendable. The return of Kuminga and the integration of new players will test Kerr’s adaptability as the season progresses.
Overall: A Team on the Rise
The Warriors’ 28-27 record may not be stellar, but the team’s recent performance and the Butler effect have created a palpable sense of optimism. They haven’t won three consecutive games since mid-November, but with the second-easiest remaining strength of schedule in the Western Conference, the next few weeks could be a fascinating sprint to the finish line. The team’s ability to find its identity for the stretch run will be key, and with the pieces falling into place, the Warriors are poised to make a strong push.
