After starting the 2024/25 season with a 12-3 record, the Golden State Warriors fell off a cliff in the next period with a streak of 9 losses in 11 matches.
On December 20, the Golden State Warriors even lost to the Memphis Grizzlies with a score of 93-144, in a match where Stephen Curry only had 2 points and did not have any successful 3-point shots. This was also the worst match in Stephen Curry’s entire career.
In this article, The Sporting News will point out the reasons why the Golden State Warriors have declined in performance in recent times.
Three reasons for the Golden State Warriors’ decline in the 2024/25 season
Golden State Warriors play worse on both offense and defense
In the first 15 games of the Golden State Warriors in the 2024/25 season, they had a top-five offense and defense in the league. But after November 23, the Golden State Warriors became a completely different team, with all of their stats among the worst in the NBA.
Before November 23StatisticalAfter November 2312-3Achievements2-9115.7 (6th)Score/100 ball situations 106.0 (Rank 27)105.8 (4th)Points scored/100 ball situations115.5 (Rank 23)
De’Anthony Melton’s injury is one of the major issues, as this player has played quite consistently off the bench and can take on multiple roles when needed. De’Anthony Melton had to say goodbye to the 2024/25 season with a torn knee ligament, and he is currently with the Brooklyn Nets after the Dennis Schroder trade . Brandin Podziemski’s decline in form is also a big reason.
Another issue pointed out by reporter Joe Viray is that the Golden State Warriors do very little walling for their off-ball players. Early in the season, running drills from assistant coach Terry Stotts helped the Golden State Warriors play more consistently on offense.
Buddy Hield’s form has been declining.
The Golden State Warriors’ exciting period of play was also associated with the sublimation period of Buddy Hield. When this player could no longer maintain his form, the Warriors immediately encountered a deadlock on the offensive line.
Since November 8, Buddy Hield has averaged just 10.9 points per game, a far cry from his 21.1 points average through the first eight games of the 2024/25 season.
Stephen Curry is no longer himself because of age
Buddy Hield isn’t the only player whose form has declined. The Golden State Warriors’ offense still revolves around Stephen Curry, but the 36-year-old is starting to feel the weight of time.
In late November, Stephen Curry had to take a short break due to knee tendinitis. Stephen Curry himself shared with The Athletic: “This injury will become persistent if not properly cared for.”
Before November 23StatisticalAfter November 2312-3Achievements2-912Match922.7Average score21.048.9%Average performance38.7%45..0%Average 3 point shot36.4%
While Stephen Curry’s scoring has only dipped slightly, his shooting efficiency has dropped significantly, including a two-point game and 0-of-6 from the 3-point line against the Memphis Grizzlies. Curry’s multi-role offense has also kept him from performing at his best.
Realizing this, the Golden State Warriors have sought to “fix” the problem by bringing in Dennis Schroder from the Brooklyn Nets, helping to share the ball-holding role with Stephen Curry. However, whether this deal will be successful or not will have to wait a little longer.
In addition, the Golden State Warriors may consider giving Stephen Curry more time to rest so that he can fully recover. Stephen Curry is 36 years old, and he cannot guarantee the same level of continuous play as when he was younger.
