Warriors in Crisis: Butler Slams Team’s ‘Sad’ Defense as Dubs Sink in Heartbreaking Loss to Struggling Rockets
The Golden State Warriors’ season is rapidly spiraling as they find themselves struggling with both their defense and overall effort. With 62 games still remaining, the vibes in the locker room are far from optimistic, and their latest loss—a 104-100 defeat to the Houston Rockets—only adds fuel to the fire. This wasn’t just another regular-season setback; it exposed some of the team’s glaring issues.
Despite limiting the Rockets to just 39.4 percent shooting, the Warriors were woefully ineffective on the boards. They allowed Houston to grab an eye-popping 25 offensive rebounds, with Clint Capela single-handedly pulling down 8 of those. Jimmy Butler, ever the seasoned veteran, didn’t mince words about his team’s lack of fundamental execution, particularly with boxing out and sticking to their scouting report. These are the basics of basketball, and the Warriors simply weren’t getting it done.
The loss to the Rockets followed another disappointing defensive performance against the Portland Trail Blazers, where the Dubs allowed four players to score 20 or more points. Against the Rockets, the Warriors looked disorganized and uninspired, often standing still as Houston players waltzed into the paint or snatched up second-chance opportunities. Butler, visibly frustrated, pointed out that the team’s defense often crumbles when the offense isn’t clicking—highlighted by their woeful 2-for-21 shooting from three in the second half.
Looking ahead, the Warriors are hoping for a boost from the return of Jonathan Kuminga, who has missed the last six games due to a knee injury. There’s also hope that two-way guard De’Anthony Melton will finally make his season debut after recovering from an ACL tear. But for now, the Warriors are facing a tough road ahead, with both their defense and confidence at a serious low.
