The morale appears excessive in Dub Nation, and it has felt that method since Jimmy Butler III’s arrival throughout final season’s commerce deadline.
The Golden State Warriors — who’re 28-8 with Butler, Stephen Curry and Draymond Inexperienced within the lineup — continued their profitable methods Tuesday with a 119-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Steve Kerr’s staff has additionally develop into nearer off the court docket. Butler organized a minicamp for the roster throughout the offseason, spending loads of time with his new teammates, even inviting them to his house.
Jimmy Butler III vs. Stephen Curry
The friendship between Butler and Inexperienced has manifested in a pleasant guess. After Tuesday’s win, Butler revealed that Inexperienced had dared him to take care of the next free-throw share than Curry, a profession 91% shooter from the charity stripe, within the 2025-26 season.
“I’ve a guess going with Dray that I gotta shoot a greater [FT] share than No. 30 on our staff,” Butler mentioned, whereas terming it “a kinda unhealthy guess.”
Butler, a profession 84% shooter from the free-throw line, is elite in his personal proper, however will get to the road much more than Curry. The 36-year-old has tried 6.7 free throws a recreation, whereas Curry has tried 4.3.
Warriors are the sleeper title favorites
That pattern continued in Tuesday’s contest, as each Butler (16-of-16) and Curry (8-of-8) have been excellent from the road.
“It is an incredible begin,” Butler mentioned of the guess, whereas vowing to “all the time go 16-for-16” when Curry shoots an ideal clip.
The off-court camaraderie is an indication of a spirited bunch, which is why the Warriors should not be dismissed as professional title contenders.
Though the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets have shorter title odds, the Warriors have been broadly projected to shock the world, presumably making a title run. ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, utilizing a stats-based simulation mannequin, has predicted the Warriors will win 63 games and prime the convention standings.
The Warriors (1-0) will subsequent host the Nuggets on Thursday night time.
