The Golden State Warriors have hit a rough patch in the 2024-25 NBA season with Stephen Curry sidelined due to injury. Their offense is showing significant signs of distress and the franchise is grappling with an identity crisis. The recent acquisition of Jimmy Butler was seen as a possible solution, but so far, Butler’s lack of urgency has raised eyebrows in the Bay Area as the team searches for stability and leadership on and off the court.
Head coach Steve Kerr is under increasing scrutiny for how he handles the minutes and roles of key veterans. The future of the season heavily depends on whether someone steps up to lead the Warriors in Curry’s absence, and Jimmy Butler’s performance is at the center of that conversation among fans and media experts.
Golden State’s Offense Falters in Curry’s Absence
Without Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ offense has looked out of sync and predictable. Ball movement has slowed, open looks are harder to come by, and the team’s three-point shooting percentage has sharply declined. Curry’s ability to stretch defenses and create shots for teammates cannot be replicated, and that has left Golden State’s system vulnerable to well-prepared opponents.
Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins have struggled to fill the scoring gap. Opposing defenses have exploited the Warriors’ lack of reliable ball-handling and shooting threats, frequently packing the paint to cut off drives and forcing contested jumpers. The result has been a barely recognizable Warriors offense from what fans have seen during the Curry era.
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Key statistics highlight the change: in games without Curry this season, the Warriors have averaged nearly 12 points less per game and their turnover rate has ballooned. The drop is particularly evident in the third quarter, traditionally when Curry’s leadership and shot-making shine the most.
Draymond Green and Klay Thompson Under Pressure
Draymond Green and Klay Thompson are feeling the weight of Curry’s absence. Green has taken on more playmaking responsibilities, but his offensive limitations have become more apparent when defenses do not have to worry about Curry moving off the ball. His defensive energy remains an asset, but his turnovers are up and scoring is inconsistent.
Klay Thompson, meanwhile, is expected to shoulder more of the scoring load. The increased attention from defenders has made it tough for Thompson to get quality shots, and his shooting efficiency has taken a hit. His typical off-ball movement and catch-and-shoot skills look less effective when the floor spacing collapses.
Both veterans express frustration in post-game interviews, with Green calling for more urgency and accountability. Thompson, who missed significant time to injury in previous seasons, looks determined yet visibly frustrated as the losses mount and the playoffs come into question.
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The challenge for these seasoned players is to step into expanded roles while helping new additions to the roster adjust. For the Warriors to stay afloat, Green and Thompson must find a way to spark the team and keep competing at a high level.
Steve Kerr Faces Tough Decisions with Lineups
Steve Kerr is under the spotlight as he juggles lineups to find something that works. Adjusting minutes and rotations without Curry has proven to be difficult. Attempts to integrate younger players like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga haven’t resulted in consistent production, and the team risks falling further out of the playoff race if this trend continues.
Kerr has experimented with small-ball units in hopes of recapturing some of the Warriors’ old magic, but these lineups haven’t been able to compensate for Curry’s absence. Mixes of veterans and young players sometimes lead to defensive lapses and offensive droughts, and Kerr’s reliance on certain veterans despite poor performance is causing debate among analysts.
The coach’s trademark trust in ball movement and motion offense has appeared rigid. With the current roster, some are calling for more isolation plays or two-man actions involving Butler or Thompson, but Kerr has stuck mostly to his principles. This stubbornness has some fans and analysts questioning if the Warriors can make the needed adjustments in time.
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Jimmy Butler’s Passive Play Raises Concerns
The arrival of Jimmy Butler was expected to inject energy and leadership into the Warriors’ locker room. Instead, Butler has looked unusually passive in recent games. His scoring is down and he’s taking fewer shots, often deferring to others in late-game situations. Fans, accustomed to Butler’s reputation for rising to big moments, are disappointed by his lack of assertiveness.
Team insiders note that Butler may still be adjusting to Kerr’s system, but the urgency and competitive fire he brought in Miami haven’t shown up in Golden State. During close games, the Warriors need Butler to be more aggressive, especially with Curry out, but so far, he has seemed almost content playing a supporting role. This is not what the front office was hoping for when they made the trade.
Butler’s body language has also come under focus. On the court, he appears disengaged at times, and his communication with teammates seems limited compared to his time with the Heat. If the Warriors are to turn things around, Butler must rediscover his attacking mentality and take charge in clutch moments.
Locker Room Morale and Urgency Issues
The Warriors’ internal chemistry is under scrutiny as frustration builds within the roster. Losses are mounting, and there’s a sense of urgency missing from both the court and the locker room. Reports indicate that team meetings have become more tense, with veteran players expressing disappointment over the overall effort and focus.
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Younger players are said to be struggling with confidence, unsure of their roles in the absence of their superstar leader. The loss of Curry’s voice on the bench is obvious. He’s known for being vocal, pushing teammates, and keeping morale high through adversity. Without him, it’s been challenging to maintain the winning culture the Warriors are known for.
Efforts by coaching staff to instill a greater sense of urgency – including more intense practices and film sessions – have yet to deliver results. Insiders say everyone in the organization knows that time is running out to change the direction of the season.
As the pressure builds, the team faces questions about whether this group has the mental toughness to weather the storm or if deeper changes are needed to recapture their competitive edge.
Potential Trades and Roster Moves
With the season slipping, trade rumors and speculation about roster moves are heating up. The front office is said to be considering deals that could bring in another scorer or bolster the bench. Names like Malcolm Brogdon and Buddy Hield have been floated as possible targets, especially if the Warriors want to add shooting and playmaking.
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Some insiders suggest that moving on from older veterans could be on the table if the losing streak continues. There are difficult decisions ahead regarding longtime core players and what kind of direction the team wants to take if Curry’s status is in doubt for much longer.
The trade market will depend on what Golden State is willing to give up. Future draft picks, promising young players, or even expiring contracts could be used to make a deadline splash. The front office’s willingness to be aggressive will likely determine how the rest of this season unfolds.
Impact on Playoff Hopes
The Warriors’ slide down the Western Conference standings has put their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy. If the team can’t stabilize performance soon, missing the postseason becomes a real possibility for the first time in years with a healthy Green and Thompson. This scenario would have ripple effects on the franchise’s short-term and long-term outlook.
The importance of each remaining game is magnified, with little margin for error. Golden State may have to overachieve just to secure a play-in spot, something no one expected at the start of the year. Curry’s eventual return could help, but if the Warriors dig themselves too deep a hole, even his elite talent might not be enough.
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If the Warriors do miss the playoffs, it could spark major offseason changes, from the bench to the front office. With the team’s championship window possibly closing, everyone involved is feeling the urgency to right the ship quickly.
Reactions from Fans and Analysts
Reaction to the Warriors’ struggles has been passionate and, at times, harsh. Fans on social media are calling for more accountability from both players and the front office. There’s a vocal contingent calling for roster changes and criticizing Butler’s integration with the team.
Sporting analysts are split on the best path forward. Some see the issues as temporary and fixable with Curry’s return, citing how valuable he is even beyond his scoring. Others argue that structural issues – like lack of shooting depth and age – have finally caught up with the team and require a bigger reset.
Emotions are running high. Bay Area supporters aren’t used to seeing this level of uncertainty from their basketball team. Calls for patience are met with equal calls for urgent change. Headlines and radio talk shows debate what needs to happen next almost daily as the drama unfolds.
