Warriors’ Second Unit Surging - and Jimmy Butler Is the Engine Behind It
Stephen Curry will always be the face of the Golden State Warriors - that much isn’t changing. But lately, there’s been a new storyline developing in the Bay: the non-Curry minutes are no longer just a breather.
They’re becoming a weapon. And at the heart of that transformation is Jimmy Butler.
Since arriving via trade last February, Butler has steadily carved out his place in Golden State’s system. But over the past few weeks, he’s taken that role to another level, anchoring a second unit that’s not just surviving without Curry - it’s thriving.
Butler Leading the Charge
The Warriors are 10-4 over their last 14 games, and a big reason why is the production they’re getting when Curry is off the floor. That’s where Butler has stepped in, often alongside savvy veterans like De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford, to stabilize and even swing momentum.
Take Thursday’s matchup against the Knicks as a prime example. Golden State was down big early - a 31-14 hole in less than eight minutes.
When Curry checked out with just over three minutes left in the first quarter, the Warriors trailed by 14. In past seasons, that could’ve spelled disaster.
But not this time.
Butler took control, and the second unit responded. Golden State closed the quarter on an 11-2 run, trimming the deficit to five.
That stretch didn’t just stop the bleeding - it flipped the energy in Chase Center. From there, the Warriors wore down a Knicks squad missing Jalen Brunson, eventually pulling away for a win that felt more like a statement.
Efficiency, Leadership, and a Whole Lot of Impact
Curry still did his thing, dropping 27 points. But it was Butler who turned heads with a season-best 32 points on 14-of-22 shooting - the most field goal attempts he’s taken in a regular season game since joining the Warriors. He was a +15 in 32 minutes, a testament to how much he’s driving the team’s success when he’s on the floor.
And it wasn’t just Butler. Brandin Podziemski posted a +22, and Melton added a +17 - both off the bench.
These aren’t just empty numbers. They’re a reflection of a second unit that’s playing with cohesion, purpose, and, most importantly, results.
Over the last 15 games, Golden State ranks fifth in bench net rating. That’s no fluke. Melton, Podziemski, and young forward Gui Santos have led the team in plus-minus during that stretch, showing that this group is bringing consistent value night after night.
Chemistry That’s Clicking
The advanced numbers back up what fans are seeing on the floor. When Butler and Melton share the court, the Warriors boast a +21.9 net rating - the best of any two-man pairing on the team with over 200 minutes together.
And when you zoom out to the four-man unit of Podziemski, Melton, Butler, and Horford? That group is posting a staggering +38.2 net rating.
That’s not just good - that’s elite. It’s the kind of on-court synergy that turns a second unit into a game-changer.
A New Identity Taking Shape
Golden State’s overall record may not reflect it just yet, but there’s something brewing beneath the surface. The Warriors are finding a new identity in these non-Curry stretches - one built on smart, tough, veteran-led basketball. And Butler is the one setting the tone.
He’s not just filling minutes while Curry rests. He’s dictating pace, creating offense, and defending with purpose.
He’s elevating the group around him. And as the Warriors continue to navigate an up-and-down season, that kind of leadership could be the difference between simply staying afloat and making a real push.
Bottom line: the Warriors are discovering they don’t need to rely on Curry for every spark. Thanks to Butler and a suddenly potent second unit, they’ve got another gear - and that could make all the difference down the stretch.