The Golden State Warriors have surged with a 10-2 record since acquiring Jimmy Butler, impacting the performances of players like Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski. However, Jonathan Kuminga's absence due to a serious injury has raised concerns, especially as he enters a pivotal contract year. Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the unexpected severity of Kuminga's injury, noting that his recent workout showed promise but emphasized caution in his return. As the Warriors prepare for a homestand, the hope is that Kuminga can rejoin the rotation, potentially elevating the team's dynamic.

Jimmy Butler's arrival in Golden State is proving transformative for the Warriors as his influence is palpable, especially among younger teammates. In his debut game, Butler led his team to a 22-8 run, showcasing his ability to elevate the performance of those around him. Stephen Curry emphasized Butler's leadership, stating he instills confidence during crucial game moments. The Warriors' efficiency has noticeably improved since Butler joined, reflected in positive plus-minus stats across the roster. Coach Steve Kerr highlighted Butler's exceptional passing and fundamental skills, likening his impact to his successful tenure in Miami.

Butler's presence brings a sense of swagger to the Warriors and a mental edge that can be invaluable in tight matchups. His statistics—20.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists—underscore his productivity but it's the confidence boost he provides to teammates that could define the Warriors' season. Butler has quickly forged connections that enable better offensive opportunities, making him a critical asset in the Warriors' quest for a title.

Stephen Curry etched his name in the Golden State Warriors' history books by becoming the first player to achieve 700 career games scoring 20 points or more, leading his team to a convincing 132-108 win over the Sacramento Kings. In this game, Curry was one of four Warriors scoring over 20, as Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody combined for 43 points and Buddy Hield contributed 22 points for the Kings. This victory pushed the Warriors to ninth place in the Western Conference standings, surpassing the Kings.

Notably, Curry's performance tied him with the legendary Michael Jordan for the most 20-point games by a guard after turning 35. Meanwhile, other notable games included the Oklahoma City Thunder's 130-107 victory over the Utah Jazz, where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points, and the Cleveland Cavaliers' impressive 142-106 win against the New York Knicks.

During a weekend of NBA All-Star festivities, Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs attempted to exploit the Skills Challenge rules but were disqualified for not making a valid shot attempt. This disqualification opened the door for the Cavaliers' duo Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, who ultimately won the event against the Warriors' Draymond Green and Moses Moody. The performance was reminiscent of past finals, with Warriors fans disheartened by Green's familiar mistakes.