The Golden State Warriors’ Postseason Outlook: Short-Lived Without Fixing Two Key Issues….

The Golden State Warriors have long been one of the most successful and dominant franchises in recent NBA history. Their combination of sharpshooting, high-IQ basketball, and playoff experience has allowed them to capture multiple championships, and their culture of excellence has been a model for other teams to follow. However, as the 2024-2025 NBA season heads into its final stages, the Warriors find themselves facing a challenge that could ultimately derail their postseason aspirations. Despite their star-studded roster, which includes perennial MVP candidate Stephen Curry and former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green, the Warriors have some glaring issues that could prevent them from making a deep playoff run.

The Warriors’ upcoming postseason fate hinges largely on their ability to resolve two critical weaknesses: their inconsistent defense and lack of a reliable second scoring option. While these issues have plagued them throughout the regular season, they become even more pronounced in the high-pressure environment of the playoffs, where the margin for error is razor-thin. In this analysis, we will explore these two issues in depth and assess how the Warriors might address them if they are to have any hope of a prolonged postseason run.

Issue 1: Inconsistent Defense

One of the defining features of the Warriors’ dynastic run during their championship years was their ability to stifle opposing offenses. With Draymond Green anchoring the defense as the heart and soul of their unit, and players like Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, and Kevin Durant adding versatile defensive contributions, Golden State had a defense that could go toe-to-toe with any team in the league. But in recent seasons, particularly in 2024-2025, the Warriors’ defense has become inconsistent, and it has been a key factor in their struggles.

The Decline in Defensive Efficiency

As of the mid-point of the 2024-2025 season, the Warriors are ranked in the bottom half of the league in defensive efficiency. This marks a significant drop-off from their championship years when they routinely finished among the top defensive teams in the NBA. While it’s important to note that Draymond Green, one of the league’s most versatile defenders, is still on the roster, the Warriors’ overall defensive performance has slipped. There are several factors contributing to this decline.

1. Age and Wear-and-Tear on Key Players: Klay Thompson, once regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, has shown signs of decline due to the injuries that have cost him much of the past few seasons. Thompson, whose defense was once a cornerstone of Golden State’s success, has struggled to keep up with younger, quicker players. His lateral quickness is no longer what it once was, and this has made it easier for opponents to exploit matchups on the wing.

Meanwhile, Green, though still an elite defender, is not immune to the physical toll of years of elite basketball. While he remains an exceptional communicator and a high-IQ defender, he can no longer singlehandedly carry the defensive load for the team as he once did. The Warriors’ inability to consistently lock down opposing offenses, especially in the paint and on the perimeter, has left them vulnerable in several high-stakes games this season.

2. Lack of Defensive Depth: The Warriors’ roster lacks the depth and versatility it once had on the defensive side of the ball. The team’s reliance on aging veterans and younger, unproven players has left them stretched thin when it comes to maintaining a consistent defensive effort. While players like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga have shown promise, neither has been able to consistently make an impact on defense, particularly when matched up against elite offensive players in high-pressure situations.

As a result, Golden State has struggled to contain fast breaks, defend the pick-and-roll effectively, and shut down opposing stars. The defensive inefficiencies are particularly pronounced when the Warriors face high-powered offenses, and this trend has been exacerbated in matchups against teams with multiple scoring threats.

How to Address the Defensive Weaknesses

For the Warriors to make a deep postseason run, they will need to tighten up their defense. While it’s unlikely that they will suddenly transform into a top-tier defensive team, they can still take some concrete steps to address their defensive issues:

1. Draymond Green Must Elevate His Game: Draymond Green has long been the anchor of Golden State’s defense, and his ability to be a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions is crucial. To mitigate the team’s defensive struggles, Green will need to step up his performance in both individual and team defense. He will need to be more aggressive in the paint, while continuing to provide strong help defense on the perimeter. Green’s leadership on this end of the floor will be critical in the postseason, where every possession matters.

2. Klay Thompson Must Return to Defensive Form: While it’s unrealistic to expect Thompson to return to his pre-injury defensive form, he still has the ability to be a solid defender. For the Warriors to make a playoff push, Thompson must regain his ability to contest shots effectively and stay in front of his man. If Thompson can rediscover even a fraction of his former defensive prowess, it will provide a huge boost to Golden State’s chances of competing against other top-tier playoff teams.

3. Rotation Adjustments and Increased Minutes for Young Defenders: Coach Steve Kerr should experiment with different lineups, giving more minutes to promising young defenders like Kuminga and Moody. While these players have shown flashes of defensive potential, they have not yet been consistent enough to warrant major minutes. However, Kerr needs to trust these young players more in high-leverage situations, especially given the Warriors’ defensive struggles with their veteran lineup.

4. Limiting Transition Opportunities: A key area where the Warriors have struggled defensively is in transition defense. With their up-tempo style, the Warriors often find themselves caught out of position, allowing easy fast-break points. If they can limit these transition opportunities and force teams to execute in half-court settings, it will make life easier for their defense, especially for Green and Thompson, who are more effective when they have time to set up.

Issue 2: Lack of a Reliable Second Scoring Option

For all of Stephen Curry’s brilliance, the Warriors’ offense has often been overly reliant on him. Curry is undoubtedly one of the best offensive players in NBA history, capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor. However, the Warriors’ postseason hopes will be severely limited if they don’t find a reliable second scoring option who can step up when Curry is double-teamed or having an off night.

The Struggles of the Second Unit

While Curry remains the focal point of Golden State’s offense, the Warriors have not been able to consistently find a second player capable of carrying the offensive load. Klay Thompson, as mentioned earlier, has struggled with injuries and age, and his scoring efficiency has dipped. Although Thompson can still have hot stretches, his inconsistency makes him a less reliable option in crunch time.

Jordan Poole, the Warriors’ other primary scoring option, has shown moments of brilliance but has also been prone to stretches of inefficiency. Poole’s decision-making has been erratic at times, and his shot selection can be questionable. While he has the potential to be a dynamic scorer, the Warriors need him to show more consistency if they are to contend for a title.

How to Address the Offensive Void

To solve this issue, the Warriors need to find a second offensive option who can provide scoring when Curry isn’t on the floor or is being heavily guarded. Here are a few strategies for addressing this problem:

1. Jordan Poole Must Step Up: Poole is the most likely candidate to emerge as the Warriors’ second scorer, but he must become more consistent. His ability to create his own shot is crucial, especially in isolation situations. Poole needs to improve his decision-making, shot selection, and playmaking to alleviate some of the pressure on Curry. If Poole can become a reliable second scorer, it will make the Warriors much more dangerous in the postseason.

2. Klay Thompson Must Rediscover His Shooting Touch: While Thompson’s defense has been a concern, his scoring ability still holds immense value. Thompson must regain his shooting touch, particularly from beyond the arc. If Thompson can be a consistent threat from deep, it will force defenses to respect him, thereby opening up space for Curry and Poole. Thompson’s ability to catch fire in key moments could be the difference between a first-round exit and a deep playoff run.

3. Utilize More Ball Movement: The Warriors have always prided themselves on their ball movement and unselfish play. To solve their scoring issues, they must return to their ball movement-heavy system, creating open shots for players like Poole, Thompson, and others. By focusing on quick passes and spacing, Golden State can create better opportunities for all players, rather than relying solely on isolation plays.

Can the Warriors Fix These Issues?

The Golden State Warriors are a team with immense potential, but they face significant challenges heading into the 2024-2025 postseason. Their inconsistent defense and lack of a reliable second scoring option are critical weaknesses that could prevent them from making a deep run. However, these issues are not insurmountable. If Draymond Green can elevate his defensive game, Klay Thompson can rediscover his form, and Jordan Poole can become more consistent, the Warriors could once again be contenders for an NBA championship.

Ultimately, the Warriors’ postseason success will depend on their ability to address these two key issues. If they fail to do so, their playoff run will likely be short-lived, but if they can fix these areas, Golden State could once again prove that they are a team capable of competing at the highest level. Only time will tell if the Warriors can make the necessary adjustments and return to the form that led them to glory in years past.