3 ways 37-year-old Steph Curry has made Warriors title contenders

The Golden State Warriors are 12-2 since Jimmy Butler donned their jersey. In one of those losses, he did not play, suggesting he has been instrumental in their resurgence. His ability to play alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green has made the team a force as the playoffs approach.

Many believe the Warriors have figured out how to get Curry and Butler to play together. Known to have opposing styles, many had questioned their fit early on. But their record and the way they play has proved that they are working.

Many believe Butler is the reason for this resurgence after they were loitering in the play in spots. But some analysts believe his addition has helped unlocked something in Steph Curry. Now he is playing with a smile on his face and is excited by their potential.

However, he is aware to not label the team as championship contenders as it is still early to judge that experiment. However, his overall play has improved, and he is helping the Golden State Warriors become title contenders in these three ways.

Scoring without pressure

Before Jimmy Butler arrived, most of the scoring burden was on the shoulders of the 36-year-old. He also had to contribute towards playmaking once De’Anthony Melton went down for the season. That extra burden reminded many of the pressure he was last season.

But once the former Miami Heat star entered the lineup, the entire dynamic of the team changed. Now the Warriors had a legitimate second scorer. Not just a spot up shooter, but someone who can create his own shot.

This meant, Curry did not have to handle the ball as much. Returning to off-ball duties meant he could resume the scoring prowess that has defined his career. Now, the father of four scores at will from all across the court.

Whenever Butler has the ball in his hands, Curry gets on-court rest. That rest along with a minutes restriction is crucial to avoid burnout which comes from trying too hard. The result, his scores at will and is ready to counter any opposition rallies to keep their lead intact.

Drawing defenses in a unique manner

Over the past decade, the Golden State Warriors have established themselves as a team that relies on constant switching and movement. That makes up the bulk of their play and relied on swift movements and cuts across the court to create scoring space.

Over the past couple of seasons, that method has not worked out. A primary reason is that other players were not dominant enough to draw defenders onto themselves, leaving teams switching their best defenders onto Steph Curry.

Jimmy Butler has been alleviated of that defensive pressure as he draws a lot of attention. However, Curry has a major part to play here. In between those on-court rest plays, the Olympic gold medalist roams all across the court.

This way, no one defender can switch fast enough to stay on the NBA Finals MVP. Secondly, zone defenses are drawn out leaving space open for his teammates. Thirdly, the mismatch this method creates has seen a variety of players go off on scoring streaks which helps his team stay in the lead.

Steph Curry reverting to his elite clutch best

When Steph Curry toyed with French players at the Paris Olympics, basketball fans were reminded that those moments have made him the clutch player that he is known to be. His legacy is littered with game changing shots.

But for much of the Golden State Warriors season, that form was missing. But since February their schemes have helped Curry get a lot more rest. Along with the fact that he is not always under pressure, he conserves his energy for those late game moments.

Those moments have not arrived in these past 13-14 games. That is because the Warriors have had just one close game in that stretch. Which means, the team is performing well enough to avoid a late battle. However, Curry has been able to light it up when he has a hot hand.

That is when he is at his cocky best. In their win against the Sacramento Kings, he was hyping up the crowd and taunting his opponents. He now has the confidence that his shot will be there when needed. Such a team is dangerous when the heat of playoff battles come around, and especially in championship winning situations.

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