The Golden State Warriors’ 2024-25 NBA season ended in disappointment Friday night, as a 124-118 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers officially eliminated them from postseason contention for the first time since 2019. With Stephen Curry scoring 32 points but receiving little support from a depleted roster, the Warriors finished 10th in the Western Conference with a 48-34 record — just one game behind the eighth-seeded Dallas Mavericks, who clinched the final play-in spot earlier in the week.
It’s a stark fall from grace for a franchise that appeared in six NBA Finals between 2015 and 2022, winning four championships. Now, questions swirl about the sustainability of Golden State’s core, the impact of injuries, and whether a roster overhaul — or “Kader-Umbruch,” as German outlet krone.at framed it — is necessary to return to contention.
The Warriors entered April clinging to hope. A win over the Blazers would have kept their play-in hopes alive, but Portland, already locked into the seventh seed, played with urgency while Golden State looked disjointed. Klay Thompson scored 22 points, but shot just 7-of-20 from the field. Draymond Green recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, yet committed five turnovers. Andrew Wiggins managed only eight points on 3-of-12 shooting.
“We didn’t execute,” Curry said after the game. “We had chances to secure stops, make plays down the stretch, and we didn’t. That’s on us.” His frustration was palpable — not just with the loss, but with the season’s trajectory.
The elimination marks the finish of an era defined by excellence. Since 2015, the Warriors had missed the playoffs only once — in 2020, when injuries to Curry, Thompson, and Green limited them to a 15-50 record in the bubble season. This year’s collapse feels different: less about bad luck, more about systemic strain.
Injuries played a significant role. Jonathan Kuminga missed 31 games with a sprained ankle. Moses Moody was sidelined for 28 games with a shoulder injury. Brandin Podziemski, the Warriors’ promising rookie guard, played just 44 games due to a wrist fracture. Even when healthy, the bench lacked consistent scoring — Golden State ranked 24th in the league in bench points per game (30.2).
Defensively, the Warriors regressed. After finishing top-five in defensive rating for five straight seasons (2019-2023), they dropped to 18th this year at 113.6 points allowed per 100 possessions. Opponents shot 37.1% from three against Golden State — the worst mark in the league.
“We weren’t good enough defensively down the stretch,” head coach Steve Kerr admitted. “When your offense sputters, you demand stops. We didn’t get enough of them.”
The offense, while still potent, became too reliant on Curry. He led the team in scoring (25.0 ppg), assists (6.2 apg), and free-throw attempts (8.1 per game) — a heavy burden for a 36-year-old playing his 16th season. Thompson’s three-point percentage dipped to 34.1%, his lowest since 2017. Green’s scoring average fell to 8.5 points per game, continuing a downward trend.
Front office decisions also came under scrutiny. The Warriors opted not to pursue a major trade at the deadline, choosing instead to rely on internal development. That backfired when young players like Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis failed to provide consistent impact. Jackson-Davis, a second-year center, showed flashes but averaged just 6.4 points, and 4.8 rebounds in 18.2 minutes per game.
Meanwhile, the salary cap looms. Golden State is projected to be over the luxury tax line for the 10th consecutive season, with Curry, Thompson, and Green all under contract through 2025-26. Thompson has a player option for $21.2 million next season — a figure many believe he will decline to test free agency. Green’s contract includes a player option for $25.6 million in 2025-26, though he has hinted at retirement after this season.
“We have to evaluate everything,” said Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. In a post-season press conference. “Nothing is off the table. We owe it to our fans, our players, and our legacy to get this right.”
The path forward is uncertain. A roster rebuild could mean trading Thompson or Green for younger assets and draft capital. Alternatively, Golden State could attempt one last run with its current core, betting on health and improved role-player production.
Either way, the window is closing. The Western Conference has grown younger and more athletic — teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Houston Rockets now pose long-term threats. The Warriors’ model of spacing, ball movement, and elite shooting still works, but only when executed by healthy, motivated players.
For now, the focus shifts to the offseason. Curry will likely play for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers this summer, seeking to add another international medal to his resume. Thompson may explore free agency. Green could announce his retirement plans. And the front office will weigh whether to retool or reload.
What’s clear is that the era of dominance is over. The question isn’t whether change is needed — it’s how drastic it needs to be.
The Warriors’ next official step is the NBA Draft Lottery on May 12, where they hold a 3.4% chance to win the No. 1 pick (via their own pick, which is top-20 protected). Regardless of outcome, Golden State faces a pivotal summer — one that could define the next chapter of a once-dynasty franchise.
What do you reckon the Warriors should do this offseason? Should they keep the core together for one more run, or start rebuilding now? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow NBA fans.
