The Golden State Warriors are off to a flying start at 4-1 in the 2025-26 NBA season, and much of the attention is focused on new-comer Jimmy Butler. With his combination of scoring, leadership, and confidence, Butler is openly issuing a warning to the rest of the league—and the Warriors’ hot start is proving he means business.
Butler’s Early Impact: Performance & Presence
Butler has quickly made his mark in Golden State: his most recent outing against the Los Angeles Clippers featured 21 points, five rebounds and five assists on 9-12 shooting.
He’s also publicly stated the Warriors’ depth is a “good thing for us, and it’s a scary thing for everybody else.”
What stands out:
- Butler is averaging over 21 points per game and shooting efficiently.
- The Warriors are winning with parts of their roster still missing key contributors like De’Anthony Melton.
- The team’s balance shows promise: multiple players stepping up alongside Butler and Stephen Curry.
Why This 4-1 Start Is Different
This start matters because:
- Resilience: The Warriors are not just winning—they’re adapting. With key injuries still looming, they’re finding ways to dominate.
- Depth showing up: Butler’s comments reflect a roster that looks deeper than many expected. That changes how opponents must plan.
- Threat perception: When one of your own tells the league “we’re scary,” it alters the narrative. The Warriors are no longer just title contenders—they’re staking a claim.
Areas to Monitor
- Health & durability: With age still a factor for many veterans, how the Warriors manage minutes and stay healthy will be key.
- Playoff stamina: Regular-season dominance is one thing—how they handle pressure and deep runs remains a question.
- Butler/Curry chemistry: Two high-talent players must co-exist. Early signs are good, but long-term harmony will determine ceiling.
- Opponents adjusting: Teams will now tailor game plans specifically to contain Butler and exploit Golden State’s weaknesses.
Final Thought
At 4-1, the Warriors are sending a message: they’re not just rebuilding—they’re reloading. Jimmy Butler’s vocal leadership has added fuel, and the team’s early execution matches the hype. If they stay healthy and keep climbing, this could be a season where the Warriors re-enter serious title contention. But the test is only just beginning.