The Golden State Warriors, after fighting their way out of the play-in tournament with help from deadline acquisition Jimmy Butler, ended up losing in the second round of the NBA playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Granted, in that series, Stephen Curry was hurt and did not play in the final three games, which contributed to the early exit.
However, the Warriors failed to adapt down the stretch with their best player out, despite having a proven playoff riser in Butler on the roster.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle operates with the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler defends during their playoff game at Target Center on May 14, 2025.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle operates with the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler defends during their playoff game at Target Center on May 14, 2025.
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
However, Butler shot only 45.7 percent in those final three games. Carmelo Anthony blamed a lack of change from Golden State for the loss.
"We probably would still be talking about them if Steph is not hurt," Anthony said. "They have the way they play, and no matter what, you have to find your way. And that’s not what you do. You don’t shoot 3s. You don’t play like that. So now, that level of comfort starts to change.”
For over a decade, the Warriors were one of the best teams in the NBA in large part thanks to their motion offense and Stephen Curry's brilliant shooting, although with Butler, who is not an elite shooter, leading the charge, the Warriors needed to change their playstyle.
Unfortuny, the Dubs' playstyle is the only scheme head coach Steve Kerr has ever had to use, and Golden State was unable to adapt. Fortunately, they have an entire offseason to work Butler into the lineup as a true centerpiece.
Check out the Inside the Warriors homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.