The Golden State Warriors are 18 games into the 2025-26 NBA season. They’re a .500 team, having won nine and lost nine. During that 18-game span, Steve Kerr’s team has established itself as a top-10 defense in the NBA, holding opponents to 112.2 points per 100 possessions.
However, it would appear that Jimmy Butler wants more from his teammates on that side of the ball. When speaking to the media following the Warriors’ 127-123 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, Nov. 21, the veteran forward called out a perceived lack of effort.
“We’re just not guarding anybody,” Butler said. “From what I can tell, I haven’t been here long, but that’s never been the formula here. Not to win a championship. You’ve got to take each and every matchup personally… we’ve got to do way better guarding on that side of the ball…You’re not taking anything away. You’re not taking the paint away. You’re not taking away layups, free throws, lobs, threes… tonight they were getting whatever shot they wanted.”
Golden State has navigated a treacherous schedule to begin the season, including 12 games on the road and five back-to-backs. The defense has indeed looked porous at times. Yet, when looking at the advanced stats, the Warriors are holding their own on that side of the floor.
Butler has never been shy to air his opinion. And, on a veteran roster like the Warriors, his leadership will likely be welcomed. Nevertheless, it’s clear that Golden State has multiple issues it needs to clear up in the coming weeks and months; the question is how high the defensive execution ranks on that list.
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This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler calls out team’s defensive efforts
Reporting by Adam Taylor, Warriors Wire / Warriors Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
