Steph Curry’s Night-Night Celebration Fuels Warriors’ Rise After Butler Trade

SAN FRANCISCO — A distinctive celebration over two minutes before the third-quarter’s conclusion marked a decisive moment in the Warriors’ recent performance. On Feb. 24, 2025, during a matchup against the hobbled Dallas Mavericks, Stephen Curry showcased his now-iconic ‘Night Night’ gesture after sinking a step-back 3-pointer over P.J. Washington.

This time, Curry’s celebration was fueled by revenge, having previously witnessed Washington replicate his move during the Mavericks’ victory over Golden State on Feb. 12. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr commented on the confidence infused into the team since acquiring star Jimmy Butler, referencing how Butler’s addition has redefined the Warriors’ swagger.

“One hundred percent,” Kerr affirmed about Butler’s influence. “Jimmy gives us some swagger,” he added. The Warriors experienced a rocky first half of the season, often plagued by injuries and inconsistent play. However, their recent acquisition of Butler has been a game changer.

Draymond Green, reflecting on the team’s renewed vigor, stated, “I just know what it looks like,” when explaining the reasoning behind his championship predictions after a slew of thrilling performances. The Warriors had felt incomplete, despite Curry, Green, and Klay Thompson‘s legacy, since the departure of Kevin Durant in 2019.

Butler’s two-year, $112 million extension runs through the summer of 2027, granting him the opportunity to once again lead a collective pursuit of a title, having narrowly lost in previous years.

Curry has catalyzed a mental shift with Butler’s integration. Last month, he shared his thoughts during a post-game interview: “The Night-Night stuff is never really predictable. It’s just whenever I’m feeling it, and you gotta be good to do it.”

Before Butler’s arrival, the Warriors were ranked 10th in defensive and 18th in offensive ratings, struggling to sync their core while fostering emerging players. Now, they sit sixth in both categories since Butler’s debut, underscoring their evolution into a more cohesive unit.

“We’ve needed just a little more to get over the hump, and that’s what he brings to the court,” Green emphasized about Butler. The combination of Butler’s experience and the established trio’s legacy provides a balance that the team has craved.

Butler, contributing to the revitalization, expressed satisfaction during a recent locker room interview. “I see my role clearer than ever,” he said. “Everybody knows their role, and they know where the ball is supposed to go.” His impact has also been felt among the bench players, who have notably improved their performances, leading to a dominance in non-Curry minutes.

The Warriors’ transformation culminated in their 126-102 victory against the Mavericks, a match that embodied the resurgence prompted by Butler’s addition. The bench rotations, energized by Butler’s leadership, have outperformed expectations, asserting control during crucial stretches of the game.

The road to cementing their legacy has been laden with challenges since the dynasty’s height, but with Butler now in the mix, the Warriors aim to extend their championship window. They are determined not only to win but to instill confidence that echoes throughout their entire roster.

The journey toward a title continues, but as Curry reminded, this team still knows how to celebrate their incremental victories along the way.