The Golden State Warriors‘ promising start to the season has quickly unraveled, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what went wrong. After beginning the 2024-25 campaign with a stellar 12-3 record, the Warriors have stumbled significantly, losing 15 of their last 21 games. Now sitting at an even 18-18, the team finds itself in the precarious No. 9 spot in the Western Conference.
Tuesday night’s 114-98 loss to the Miami Heat, who were missing star Jimmy Butler and coming off a grueling double-overtime game, further highlighted the Warriors‘ ongoing challenges. Head coach Steve Kerr didn’t hold back in his post-game comments, offering insight into both the team’s collective struggles and the mindset of its cornerstone, Steph Curry.
A Crisis of Confidence
Kerr was candid in his assessment, pointing to a “crisis of confidence” plaguing the Warriors. The struggles have also weighed heavily on Curry, who Kerr said is grappling with the team’s inability to compete at its usual level.
“[Curry] is struggling with the emotion of [the team] not being competitive right now,” Kerr told reporters, as shared by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.
Curry‘s post-game remarks reflected his frustration and determination. The 36-year-old, a 10-time All-Star and two-time MVP, didn’t mince words when discussing the team’s lack of cohesion and urgency.
“Pissed off. Trying to figure it out. Everyone in the locker room is searching…,” Curry said, as reported by ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “There’s a lot wrong but what are you going to do about it? You have to dig deep and believe you are a good team. Got to stop talking about it and [do something].”
Warriors at a Crossroads
The Warriors’ struggles are a far cry from their championship glory just three seasons ago. Following a disappointing 2023-24 season that saw them miss the playoffs, the team’s current slide has only deepened concerns.
They now sit precariously close to falling out of playoff contention entirely, with the Phoenix Suns just 1.5 games behind and holding the fourth-worst record in the conference.
The Warriors‘ issues are compounded by their inability to string together wins. Since late November, they’ve managed back-to-back victories just once.
Tuesday’s loss to the Heat-a fatigued opponent on the second night of a back-to-back-underscored the urgency of their situation.
Looking Ahead
The road doesn’t get any easier for Golden State as they embark on a four-game road trip. Their first stop is Detroit, where they’ll face a surging Pistons team riding a wave of confidence after winning seven of their last eight games.
The Warriors‘ leadership, especially Kerr and Curry, will need to find solutions quickly to steer the team back on track. As Curry himself said, it’s time to stop talking and start acting.
Whether they can turn things around remains to be seen, but the clock is ticking for this once-dominant squad.
Read the full article here
