'Warriors’ Title Hopes Expose a Harsh Truth: Life Without Steph Curry Is the Problem
The Golden State Warriors know the clock is ticking. With their veteran core still chasing another title, there’s little room for mistakes — especially in a crowded Western Conference where hovering around .500 isn’t enough. Too often this season, the Warriors’ offense has depended almost entirely on **Stephen Curry**, and when he leaves the floor, the cracks show fast.
Head coach **Steve Kerr** didn’t shy away from that reality while speaking on the Tom Tolbert Show. He admitted the team struggled to stay organized in a recent loss, pointing to costly back-to-back turnovers that flipped momentum. Kerr also noted the absence of secondary ball-handler **De’Anthony Melton**, explaining that without Curry’s steady control, the offense can unravel quickly.
That problem runs deeper than one game. Golden State currently ranks near the bottom half of the league in offensive efficiency, a reflection of a roster that lacks a dependable initiator when Curry rests. Kerr discussed how different lineup combinations affect **Jimmy Butler**, suggesting Butler is most effective when the offense is simplified and clearly runs through him. When Butler shares the floor with Curry and **Draymond Green**, he often defers, which can muddy decision-making late in possessions and slow the attack against elite defenses.
Kerr explained that lineups built around Butler as the primary creator tend to function more cleanly. Teammates space better, ball movement improves, and Butler can attack downhill or set up others decisively. While that style differs from the traditional Warriors motion-heavy identity, Kerr emphasized that it’s efficient — and necessary — when Curry isn’t orchestrating everything.
The coach also touched on roster construction, acknowledging the front office remains open to improving the team. However, he cautioned against desperation moves that sacrifice long-term flexibility, referencing recent league examples where aggressive trades backfired.
The message is clear: Golden State must find structure and clarity when Curry sits. Kerr believes progress is happening, but time isn’t on their side. If Butler and the supporting cast can’t consistently handle primary playmaking duties, the Warriors may soon face tough decisions about personnel — and how best to protect what could be their final championship window.
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