Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob stood on the court after a hard-fought Game 7 win over the Houston Rockets, reflecting on the risk that transformed their season, acquiring Jimmy Butler. The move, originally seen as a gamble due to Butler’s turbulent past in Miami and Minnesota, proved to be a masterstroke.
The Warriors had flirted with playoff irrelevance, and Butler’s midseason arrival not only rejuvenated their roster but gave them a real shot at contention. Lacob credited GM Mike Dunleavy for pushing through the deal and acknowledged the wisdom of betting on Butler, declaring, “He’s worth every freaking penny.”
Veteran Warriors Validate Butler Gamble With Statement Win And Collective Playoff Brilliance
Had the Warriors failed to advance past the first round, the narrative around Butler’s addition would have been one of short-lived success. Though his Play-In heroics kept them from missing the postseason, the goal was to prove they were still a legitimate championship team.
By defeating the second-seeded Rockets as a No. 7 seed, Golden State solidified its standing as a serious threat. This vindicated Lacob’s decision to offer Butler a two-year, $121 million extension and suggested that the Warriors’ core, while aging, still had the ability to deliver at the highest level.
Jimmy Butler Bet Pays Off as Warriors Upset Rockets and Rekindle Championship HopesGame 7 wasn’t a one-man show. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, both 35, turned back the clock with savvy, high-IQ basketball. Curry dissected the Rockets’ zone defense while Green provided a defensive masterclass.
Buddy Hield, signed to compensate for Klay Thompson’s departure, exploded for 33 points with red-hot shooting. Butler, though not the statistical leader, contributed across the board with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. The collective performance highlighted how the Warriors’ blend of experience and calculated acquisitions still made them a playoff powerhouse.
With Aging Stars And Renewed Belief, Warriors Embrace Urgency In High-Stakes Playoff Run
The Warriors’ push to stay relevant goes beyond one series. With their stars deep into their 30s, there’s a growing sense of urgency. There are no more “next year” speeches—this is the window. Internally, the organization faced growing speculation about a possible teardown: Coach Steve Kerr linked to San Antonio, Draymond Green concerned about being traded, and Curry facing the twilight of his legendary career. Butler’s presence and playoff pedigree have steadied the ship, helping galvanize a veteran team that’s not ready to fade into the background just yet.
Jimmy Butler has found a renewed sense of purpose with the Warriors, crediting the team’s unity and professionalism for his smooth transition. His impact has been so profound that some, like Rick Carlisle, believe he’d be in the MVP race had he been in Golden State all season.
With the Rockets dispatched, the focus now shifts to the Minnesota Timberwolves—a younger, deeper, and more seasoned opponent. For Lacob and the Warriors, the mission is clear: “Four down, twelve to go.” The next chapter of this high-stakes run begins now.
