⭐️ The Jimmy Butler Effect - Tom's Title Tiers #20
Both Miami and Golden State can't function without him.
While the Miami Heat sputter in mediocrity, Jimmy Butler has become so essential in Golden State, you would have thought HE took the Warriors to three titles. What does the loss to a barren Philly squad say about the Warriors?
Welcome to another edition of Tom’s Title Tiers! A reminder: This is my subjective list based largely on objective data. This is not a pure, analytical ranking. You’re here because you want to know what I think, to get inside my brain a little bit. Consider this a weekly report of what I see on film; what I glean from the numbers; what I hear on the phone; what I read in the news; what I feel.
This week’s featured squad: the Golden State Warriors.
Here’s a quick rundown of each tier.
Tom’s Title Tiers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a complete team, no notes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Just missing that one thing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ One move away from being one move away.
⭐️⭐️ So much has to break right.
⭐️ Sooo you’re saying there’s a chance.
This week, we look at the Warriors’ sudden dependence on their new acquisition, Butler, and what it means for their playoff hopes.
Note: All stats updated through Mar 2 games.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a complete team, no notes.
Boston Celtics
Last week’s rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Record: 43-18 | 118.7 aORtg (3rd), 110.3 aDRtg (6th), aNet +8.5 (3rd)
Check out The Big Number on Boston’s 3-point shooting!
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last week’s rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Record: 50-10 | 121.5 (1st), 111.9 (8th), +9.6 (2nd)
Check out last week’s Big Number episode on the Big Diff!
Oklahoma City Thunder
Last week’s rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Record: 49-11 | 117.4 (5th), 106.2 (1st), +11.2 (1st)
Check out last month’s post on why SGA is my MVP!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just missing that one thing.