Stephen Curry—no debate, no question—is the greatest shooter the NBA has ever seen. But since Klay Thompson’s exit, something felt off. Then, on February 8, everything changed. Jimmy Butler, wearing No. 10, stepped onto the court, and the energy shifted. Once stuck at the bottom, the Warriors now hold the 7th seed. More importantly, Steph is back—confident, electric, and unstoppable. With their spark reignited, the Dubs aren’t just playing for pride. They’re chasing the playoffs, and anything feels possible. And that could be a huge advantage or rather a relief for the NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

Meanwhile, speaking on his YouTube show, Michael Jordan’s dear friend Stephen A. Smith had a warning for the 29 teams of the NBA. His message was simple: Beware, Playoff Jimmy Butler has yet to show up for the Warriors. What does this mean? If Curry and Butler channel their strengths like they’re doing now, playoffs or even the championship wouldn’t be a distant dream after all.

The ESPN veteran who never has an angry rant for Stephen Curry commended the star for his 56-point blockbuster game in Orlando on Thursday. That game was kind to Jimmy, he could score a disheartening 5-point game in 32 minutes. “Jimmy Butler scored five points last night—one of seven shooting. Worst offensive game since he arrived in Golden State but still had seven assists,” SAS remarked. But, “Ladies and gentlemen, playoff Jimmy is still scheduled to show off for the Golden State Warriors.” The 57-year-old analyst, who has been around the NBA for decades forewarned.

He further noted: “I’m here to tell you something right now. If Steph Curry plays like that. And Jimmy Butler gives you what he’s been giving you before he showed up in Orlando the other night. Draymond Green- I’m not saying he’s right that they gonna win the chip. But I am here to assure you. That Golden State’s gonna knock off somebody.”

Simply put, the Golden State Warriors‘ comeback could be a major problem for the other teams in the league. How? Well, imagine, a team struggling at the bottom of the table suddenly bounces back. Posing a direct threat to the Top 5 or Top 3, will that not be concerning? The Warriors have emerged as another contender for the title, and Butler hasn’t yet unleashed his full potential.

At the same time, Stephen Curry, who is the viewership magnet of the league has been Adam Silver‘s priceless gem. This simply means that if the 36-year-old point guard continues to play the way he’s playing, it will boost the league’s waning viewership and rating. And if the Dubs manage to make it to the Finals, it’s safe to say, that all the woes that the league has been facing for the last few years would vanish.

The Golden State Warriors changed gameplay could bolster Adam Silver’s viewership dreams

To begin with, the 2025 All-Star Weekend turned out to be a viewership disaster for Adam Silver. And no, Stephen Curry’s MVP game did not save the league from the audience disappointment. The exhibit on Feb. 16 drew an average of 4.718 million viewers across TNT/TBS/TruTV, marking a 13 percent from the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, which drew an average of 5.398 million viewers. These 4.718M eyes on the screen were for Steph Curry and it’s not the first time that the Warriors legend has attracted the audience.

Meanwhile, SAS noted: “This brother showed up in Orlando last night and dropped 56 points—12 3-pointers along the way. It was the ninth 50-point game since turning 30, which is the most in NBA history.” He further added: “He made six of eight shots in the third, including four three-pointers. Finished with 12 or like 16 or 17 from three-point range—shot like 63% from three-point range. The Golden State Warriors have a chance!”

In all honesty, the entertainment the Baby-Faced Assassin brings to the game could help Adam Silver as it always has. Thus, it would be important for the Warriors to continue with their current game. More wins, more of Steph Curry Madness, and more of Jimmy Butler‘s powers. Ultimately, this would prove to be a massive relief for the league. And the Commissioner would have one less thing to worry about (for a while)!