The Golden State Warriors are positioning themselves as a sneaky contender this season, and veteran analyst and former Knicks and Grizzlies coach David Fizdale doesn’t hesitate to call them his “dark horse” pick to win the NBA title and lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy, again. If the prediction comes true, this will be their fifth time in 11 years.
In addition to the stellar performance Stephen Curry, Fizdale points to the arrival of Jimmy Butler, and the organization’s ingrained culture of winning as key elements.
In a recent clip, Robin Lopez and Fizdale break down how Butler’s fit with the Warriors is “ideal”: his desire to perform and the team’s willingness to hand him the keys. The vibe? No over-hype, just a crew quietly confident.
“This is my dark horse team to WIN IT.” 👀@Rolopez42 & David Fizdale break down why the Warriors could make a run this season.
Coming off an opening-night win, they face the Nuggets at 10:00pm/et on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/iyo6b6bqdF
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 24, 2025
The show also saw Lopez and Fizdale in conversation about Victor Wembanyama nicknamed “Wemby” and “the Alien”, saying “This is his moment – and he’s not gonna waste it.”
The Warriors’ blueprint remains simple: defense first, toughness across the roster, and Steph Curry staying sharp. Fizdale adds, “If they’re healthy at the end of it, I think they can beat anybody.” As the season unfolds, this group could shimmer quietly in the shadows — until they emerge in the final spotlight.
