Warriors fans are you feeling it? Because Golden State is playing some seriously hot basketball right now. They just snagged another win against the Portland Trail Blazers and this one was packed with amazing moments. We are talking triple-doubles history-making shots and a team that just looks completely different lately. Let's break down all the action!
Butler Does It All: Jimmy Butler Nets First Warriors Triple-Double in Thrilling Win Over Trail Blazers
Since the Warriors snagged Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline things have just clicked into place. It's like night and day for this team. And in Monday's game against Portland Butler proved exactly why. He went OFF and racked up his first triple-double as a Warrior! We're talking 15 points 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Talk about a stat sheet stuffer!
But it is not just about the numbers with Butler. He brings a whole vibe to the team. He is a scorer for sure but he also does everything else. Defense passing rebounding leadership you name it. That is why the Warriors are suddenly 12-1 since he joined the squad. It is no coincidence folks.
After the game Butler being the humble guy he is deflected all the praise to his teammates. He said straight up "You can't get a triple-double without your teammates. That's for damn sure." He gave props to them for making shots and grabbing rebounds. True team player right there.
Turns out Butler is also making Warriors history. He is the fastest Warrior to get a triple-double since way back in 1972 when the legend Rick Barry did it. That is some elite company.
Hield Makes History From Deep: Buddy Hield Climbs NBA All-Time Three-Pointers List
Speaking of amazing performances let's talk about Buddy Hield. This guy is a shooter pure and simple. And against the Blazers he was on FIRE. Hield dropped 20 points and was sinking threes like it was nothing going 6-for-9 from downtown. But it was not just a good scoring night for Hield it was a historic one.
With his three-pointers in the game Hield officially passed Eric Gordon for 16th place on the NBA 's all-time three-pointers made list! That is a HUGE accomplishment. We are talking about joining the ranks of the greatest shooters ever to play the game. He is now sitting at 2086 career threes and counting.
Hield is known for his shooting skills. He has made almost 40% of his three-point shots over his nine seasons in the NBA. He might have been in a bit of a slump earlier this season but when he gets hot watch out. He can carry a team with his scoring.
Now Hield is chasing down Paul Pierce for 15th place on the list. He needs just 57 more threes to catch Pierce. At 32 years old Hield still has plenty of time to climb even higher and break into the top ten. Keep an eye on this guy when it comes to three-point records.
Beyond Butler and Hield: Player Grades and Standout Performances from Warriors vs. Trail Blazers Game
It wasn't just Butler and Hield shining in the Warriors' win. Plenty of other players stepped up too. Let's check out some player grades from Golden State of Mind for a few key guys:
- Jimmy Butler: A. Triple-double says it all. Quiet but impactful just how Butler likes it.
- Gary Payton II: A+. 26 points off the bench and crazy efficiency. Payton was a scoring machine in this game. Perfect 100% true shooting percentage!
- Moses Moody: A. 20 points super efficient no turnovers. Moody is showing he is arrived as a player.
- Stephen Curry: B+. 24 points wizard-like scoring. Curry carried the offense as usual even with some turnovers and defensive struggles.
- Draymond Green: B. Just 4 points but 7 assists and 4 steals. Draymond's quarterbacking was key even if the scoring wasn't there.
- Jonathan Post: B. 11 points 7 rebounds 3 blocks. Solid performance controlling the paint especially in the first quarter. Still figuring out scoring inside though.
- Kevon Looney: B+. 6 points 6 rebounds 3 assists off the bench. Quietly superb game rebounding playmaking just needs to score more.
- Gui Santos: C+. 4 points 5 rebounds 2 assists. Winning plays but turnovers and fouls are still an issue. Will likely lose minutes when Kuminga returns but Kerr wants to keep him in rotation.
Gary Payton II especially deserves a shoutout. 26 points off the bench with perfect shooting? That is a game-winning performance right there. And Moody continues to impress showing he is becoming a real scoring threat for the Warriors.
From Blacktop to Beats: Baron Davis' Post-NBA Creative Journey and Connection to Music
Speaking of Warriors legends did you know former Golden State star Baron Davis has transitioned into a whole different world after basketball? Yep B. Diddy himself is now a rapper! He goes by the name Bart Oatmeal and is dropping some stoner rap vibes.
It might sound surprising but Davis has always been connected to music. He even had a studio in his New Orleans home back in the day and hung out with Lil Wayne. Now he is working with big names in the hip-hop world like No I.D. and Jay Worthy. His rap style is described as chill and laid-back perfect for cruising in L.A.
Davis' journey shows that athletes can have passions and talents way beyond the court. He is not just a rapper though. He is also a producer director investor and entrepreneur. He is building his own "new Hollywood" out in L.A. It is pretty awesome to see what he is doing after his NBA career and it adds another layer to his already fascinating story and legacy with the Golden State Warriors even indirectly through shared fanbase and city connection.
Warriors Winning Streak: Can Golden State Keep the Momentum Going?
With the win over Portland the Warriors have now won 11 of their last 13 games. That is a serious turnaround and has Dub Nation buzzing. Is this the start of another Warriors dynasty run? Probably too early to say that but things are definitely looking up. Jimmy Butler's arrival has been a game-changer Buddy Hield is heating up and the whole team seems to be clicking.
Can they keep this momentum going? The NBA season is a long grind but the Warriors are showing signs of being a real threat in the Western Conference again. Get ready for an exciting second half of the season Warriors fans!