The team is 14-2 since acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat at the trade deadline and has the NBA's fifth-best offense and second-best defense over that span. Stephen Curry, who had looked ragged and battered as he attempted to drag the Warriors to the postseason,

And three stats highlight the difference he has made: When Butler came to the Warriors, he changed his number to 10 and, in a social media post, praised some of the finest attacking playmakers in soccer history. The man called his shot. He’s playing like a true trequartista out there.

Second, Butler often alienates himself from teams after disagreeing with management. He and the Dubs are still very much in the honeymoon phase, although the eventual reality of his track record is a constant threat, and at a point, the Warriors might have to walk on eggshells. For now, it seems like the Butler gamble has been worth it so far.