One of the most captivating tales of the 2024–2025 NBA season has been the Golden State Warriors.
The legendary Dubs soared to the top of the Western Conference in the first few weeks of the season, finishing 10-2 going into the week of November 18, despite losing Klay Thompson to free agency and failing to find a stellar replacement in the offseason.
However, the Warriors have not fared well in the recent six or so games. Two second-half collapses in which the club failed to earn victories after leading by at least 15 points in the third quarter were among the Clippers, Spurs, and Nets losses.
What is causing the Warriors to falter? Is a drastic front-office change required to keep their hot start, or can they fix these mistakes internally?
Steve Kerr’s rotation is too large
For Golden State, what began as an unexpected strength has now become a challenge for head coach Steve Kerr. For the first month of the season, the Warriors have been using nearly every player on the roster, but many have questioned whether this kind of “strength in numbers” strategy is sustainable.
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It has been difficult for starters like Steph Curry to get more than 30 minutes per game because so many guys receive regular minutes. Golden State is having trouble holding onto leads in the second half without its only player on the court. To keep the best players on the court for at least a few extra minutes each game, Kerr needs to truncate his bench.
Buddy Hield cooled off
Buddy Hield hasn’t scored more than 18 points in any of his last 10 games this season, despite scoring more than 20 points in six of his first seven games. Without Hield making his best Klay Thompson impression, there is a serious problem with the absence of scoring punch in the backcourt next to Curry.
The burden must be taken on by others on the roster. Kerr ought to urge Brandin Podziemski to shoot more frequently and give Moses Moody more playing time. Although Podziemski hasn’t played well this season, his ability to score is crucial.
They haven’t made a trade for a second option
In an attempt to find Curry another offensive weapon, Golden State was busy in the offseason rumor mill. The Warriors looked everywhere for a Robin to Curry’s Batman, from Paul George to Lauri Markkanen.
However, versatile second scoring alternatives are not a given. The Dubs need to figure out how to add a player to their roster without sacrificing the cohesiveness of their present group. Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets has been identified by NBA expert Jake Weinbach as a potential alternative. However, can the injured De’Anthony Melton and a lottery selection be sufficient to acquire someone of that caliber?
A road-heavy schedule has sucked the life out of them
The Warriors are likely tired of traveling by now, but everyone plays the same number of road games. They haven’t yet played more than three straight home games, and ten of their 17 games have been away from home.
Their waning vitality at the end of games could be countered by a prolonged run in the Bay Area. Their determination and stamina will be put to the test in the days ahead as they play tough games against West contenders like Oklahoma City, Phoenix, and Denver.
