Butler integrates into the system Warriors beat the Kings and rise to ninth in the West

On February 23, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Sacramento Kings 132:106 and moved up to ninth in the Western Conference. This " positioning battle " is crucial to the playoff situation. With this victory, the Warriors surpassed the Kings and are only 2.5 games behind the sixth-placed Clippers in the Western Conference. Since Jimmy Butler joined, the Warriors' record has improved to 4 wins and 1 loss, showing strong momentum .

Before this game, the Warriors and Kings ranked tenth and ninth in the Western Conference respectively, and the outcome directly affects the playoffs. In the first quarter, the two sides competed fiercely. DeRozan helped the Kings take the lead at one point, but the Warriors quickly overtook and ended the first quarter with 31:28. In the second quarter, the Warriors opened fire from the outside and led by 15 points at 68:53 at halftime. Although Curry was strictly guarded and only took 3 shots, his teammates performed well. Moody and Hield each scored 22 points, and Bozemski contributed 21 points. The Warriors handed in 40 assists, showing strong teamwork.

In the third quarter, the Warriors scored 11:0 and extended their lead to 20 points. Although the Kings tried to fight back, the Warriors played steadily and finally won 132:106. This victory allowed the Warriors to surpass the Kings with a record of 29 wins and 27 losses, ranking ninth in the Western Conference, and set their sights on the eighth-placed Mavericks and the sixth-placed Clippers.

Since Butler joined the team, the Warriors have taken on a whole new look. Not only does he average about 20 points per game, he also brings leadership qualities and stability at critical moments to the team. Warriors coach Kerr said: "Butler fits in very well with Curry and Draymond Green, and his joining has doubled the team's confidence."

Butler's role is not only reflected in scoring, but also makes up for the Warriors' lack of key scorers on the front line. Especially when Curry is tightly guarded, Butler can rely on his personal ability to open up the situation. In the game against the Kings, although he started with 0 of 5 shots, he helped the team maintain the advantage through 7 free throws, 3 steals and steady passes, and ended the game with 17 points and 7 assists.

Butler's arrival not only convinced Green and other core players, but also effectively freed up Curry's offensive space. When Butler attracted defense, Curry could get more open shooting opportunities. Since Butler joined, Curry's average points per game rose to 30.2 points, and his true shooting percentage reached 61.4%.

In addition, Butler's leadership and rich experience boosted the morale of the Warriors. Green said frankly: "Butler is the superstar we need." With Butler on the court, the Warriors' overall defense and decision-making at critical moments have improved significantly.

With Butler joining the team and the excellent teamwork of the whole team, the Warriors are in high spirits and aim to be in the top six in the West to directly advance to the playoffs. The next few games will determine whether the Warriors can get out of the predicament of the play-in game.