Jimmy Butler III is setting the tone for the 2025-26 NBA season with a statement that has Warriors fans fired up. After helping Golden State turn its season around last year, Butler isn’t just focused on defense or leadership. He’s bringing back an old nickname for Stephen Curry that signals how confident he is about the veteran and their title chances.
How Did Jimmy Butler III Hail Stephen Curry?
Few could have predicted how quickly things would change when Butler arrived at Golden State last season. The Warriors were struggling with a 25–26 record, limping through injuries and inconsistency.
But once Butler entered the lineup, the shift was instant. His defensive intensity and selfless play unlocked Curry’s rhythm again. The result was a blazing 23–7 finish and a solid No. 6 seed in the Western Conference.
Even as Butler quickly became the team’s emotional spark, he’s never forgotten who the franchise’s true north star is. During a chat with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Butler couldn’t hide his faith in Curry’s leadership.
“You got a really good chance when 30 aka Batman is on the floor. Life is good,” he said.
That line lit up social media and captured the heart of what makes this new Warriors era tick. Butler’s use of “Batman” isn’t random either. It’s a nod to Curry’s ability to save the day when things seem bleak.
And coming from Butler, a player known for his grit and no-nonsense attitude, it carries weight. It’s a show of respect and recognition that even with all his own talents, the road to another Warriors championship still runs through Curry.
Butler’s confidence isn’t misplaced. Last year’s playoff run ended abruptly when Curry injured his hamstring in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Until that moment, Golden State looked poised for a deep run. Now, with Curry fully healthy and Butler integrated, expectations are higher than ever for the Warriors’ seventh banner.
Curry-Butler Combo Has Rekindled the Warriors’ Title Hopes
Golden State’s trade to acquire Butler last season wasn’t a simple move — it took five teams to pull it off. But the gamble paid off immediately.
The Warriors not only reached the postseason but also took down the Houston Rockets in the opening round, reestablishing themselves as a serious threat in the West.
Even off the court, Butler has become a fan favorite. During media day, when asked to mimic a goat, Butler smirked and replied, “Hi, my name is Steph Curry,” which was a cheeky nod to the “Greatest of All Time” debate. It was the kind of witty moment that perfectly fit the Warriors’ new team chemistry.
Statistically, Butler’s impact was clear. In 30 regular-season games with Golden State, he averaged 17.9 points, 5.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. Those 5.9 assists marked his third-highest average ever, proving how seamlessly he adapted to a system built around Curry’s off-ball movement.
With Butler commanding defensive attention, Curry’s efficiency soared. The two-time MVP averaged 27.2 points and 5.6 assists while shooting 47% from the field with Butler on the court. For the first time in years, the Warriors no longer relied solely on Curry’s brilliance to win games.
Curry, too, sees what Butler brings to the table. On ESPN’s NBA Today, he said, “We have a legitimate shot. We can square up against anybody in the West… Jimmy [Butler] adds another dynamic that we didn’t even have back (in 2022).”
Butler’s two-way presence has given Curry the freedom to conserve energy and focus on timing and precision, rather than carrying the entire offensive load.
Now, after a full offseason to build chemistry, the Warriors are looking more unified than ever. Their first big test comes Oct. 21 in Los Angeles against the Lakers. It’s the start of what could be one final chase for glory, led by Batman Curry and his newest ally, Buter.
