Since joining the Golden State Warriors on February 8, 2025, Jimmy Butler III has wasted no time making his presence felt.

In just over a month, the Warriors have gone 13-2, the second-best record in the NBA during that span, including a six-game winning streak leading into their matchup against the New York Knicks on Saturday.

Before Butler’s arrival, Golden State struggled when its stars weren’t on the floor. The Warriors were outscored by 90 points without Stephen Curry and by 98 when Draymond Green was off the court. But since Butler’s debut, those numbers have flipped—the team is now +33 without Curry and +39 without Green showcasing his immediate impact on both ends of the floor.

This isn’t the first time Butler has provided an instant boost. His adaptability and leadership have made him a game-changer from day one at every stop in his career. Let’s take a look at how he made his mark in his first month with each of his previous teams.

Chicago Bulls (2011-12 Season)

Drafted 30th overall in 2011, Butler entered the league in a lockout-shortened season and saw limited playing time off the bench. He averaged 2.7 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in his first month.

Despite Butler’s modest stats, the Derrick Rose-led Bulls started strong, going 11-4 in Butler’s first 15 games. Chicago finished the season 50-16, earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the second straight year.

Minnesota Timberwolves (2017-18 Season)

In June 2017, Butler was traded to Minnesota, reuniting with former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau and joining young stars Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Butler made his Timberwolves debut on October 18, 2017, and quickly became the team’s leader, averaging 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in his first month. Minnesota went 10-5 during that stretch, setting the tone for their best season in over a decade.

With Butler leading the way, the Timberwolves finished 47-35, snapping their 13-year playoff drought, which was the longest in the NBA at the time.

Philadelphia 76ers (2018-19 Season)

On November 12, 2018, Butler was traded to Philadelphia and made his debut two days later.

In his first month with the 76ers, he averaged 18.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, helping Philadelphia to an 11-4 record in that span.

One of Butler’s standout performances came on November 25 against the Brooklyn Nets, when he erupted for 34 points and 12 rebounds, sealing a 127-125 victory with a clutch game-winning three-pointer with just 2.3 seconds left.

The Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons-led 76ers went on to finish 51-31, securing the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Miami Heat (2019-20 Season)

Butler signed with Miami on July 6, 2019, and made an immediate impact. In his first 15 games, he averaged 18.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, helping the Heat start 12-3.

His leadership and gritty play helped shape the Heat’s identity, ultimately leading them to the NBA Finals in the 2020 Bubble Season, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A History of Quick Impact

Wherever Butler has gone, his toughness, leadership, and two-way play have turned teams around almost instantly. Now, with the Warriors surging, he’s proving once again that his presence alone can change a team’s fortunes.

As Golden State continues its playoff push, Butler’s first-month magic may be just the beginning of another deep postseason run.

The Denver Nuggets secured a crucial road victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night in a high-stakes battle featuring two of the NBA’s top MVP contenders.

Nikola Jokic once again showcased his dominance, delivering an effortless yet staggering 35-point, 18-rebound, and eight-assist performance to outduel Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Following the game, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone didn’t hold back in making his case for Jokic in the MVP conversation.

“If you didn’t know that Nikola won three MVPs and I put Player A and Player B on paper, and you had no idea that the guy that’s averaging a triple-double, the guy who’s top-three in the three major statistical categories things that no one’s ever done he wins the MVP 10 times out of 10,” Malone said.

Then, with added emphasis, he continued: “And if you don’t think so, then I think you guys are all full of s—.”

Despite Jokic’s brilliance, Gilgeous-Alexander remains the frontrunner for this year’s MVP award.

However, Malone was quick to praise the Thunder star, acknowledging his greatness while also standing firmly behind his own player.

With a significant portion of the season still to play, Jokic and the Nuggets have a chance to maintain their momentum.

If they continue their red-hot form, voters may reconsider and ultimately decide that the Serbian big man deserves a fourth MVP instead of crowning a new face.

Washington Wizards’ rookie Carlton “Bub” Carrington has etched his name into NBA history, joining an exclusive club alongside legends Kobe Bryant and Luka Doncic.

In Monday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, Carrington became just the third player in league history to record over 250 assists and 100 three-pointers before turning 20 years old.

Despite the Wizards’ 104-119 loss in Toronto, the 19-year-old added to his impressive resume by dishing out five assists and knocking down a three-pointer in 26 minutes of action.

His latest feat not only places him in elite company with Bryant and Doncic but also cements his place in Wizards history. Carrington is now the second-fastest rookie in franchise history to reach 100 three-pointers, achieving the milestone in 62 games.

The only player to do it faster? Bradley Beal, who hit the mark in 60 games during the 2012-13 season.

Carrington was originally selected 14th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2024 NBA Draft before being traded to Washington, along with Malcolm Brogdon, in exchange for Deni Avdija. Since joining the Wizards, he has steadily carved out a key role on the team.

So far this season, Carrington has played in 62 games, starting in 42 of them. He is averaging 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across 29.3 minutes per game, while shooting 40.3% from the field and 34.7% from beyond the arc.

For a young player still finding his footing in the league, Carrington’s rapid rise and record-breaking performances suggest a bright future ahead in Washington.