Copyright Athlon Sports
The Golden State Warriors have championship aspirations. They made it abundantly clear right before the start of the 2025-26 season, with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and the rest of the team highlighting that it’s their ultimate goal. Golden State failed to make it past the second round of the playoffs last season, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games after an injury to Curry. On Tuesday, however, the Dubs showed everyone that they mean business this 2025-26 campaign. Steve Kerr’s squad took down the Los Angeles Lakers in their season opener, leading by as many as 17 points before settling for the 119-109 victory. What really stood out from the game was Butler’s performance, as he led the Warriors in scoring with 31 points on 7-of-14 shooting. He was also a perfect 16-of-16 from the free-throw line, while tallying five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Green even had high praise for his teammate, going as far as guaranteeing that he will be an All-Star this season. Butler last made the All-Star Game in 2022. Aside from that, Green took to his Instagram Stories on Wednesday to further hype up Butler. “ANIMAL,” Green said of Butler, who posted a photo of them together during the Lakers game. With Butler in his first full season with the Warriors following his mid-season trade from the Miami Heat in 2024-25, hopes are definitely high that Golden State will be able to elevate its game further. Sure enough, Butler is off to a terrific start with the Warriors. Of course, it remains to be seen if he’ll be able to maintain his dominant form, but he has certainly established himself as a reliable partner for Curry in helping carry Golden State amid the team’s championship dreams.
