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The Golden State Warriors’ season took another hit after a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, and no one appeared more frustrated than Stephen Curry. Following the defeat, Curry was left speechless when confronted with a startling statistic that highlighted just how far the team has fallen from its championship-caliber standards. The loss, combined with the revelation, painted a bleak picture for the Warriors, who continue to struggle with consistency and execution in the 2024-25 NBA season.
During the postgame press conference, Curry was informed of a damning statistic: the Warriors are 2-15 in games where they are outrebounded by their opponents this season. The number underscores a critical issue that has haunted Golden State all year—their inability to control the boards.
For a team that once prided itself on gritty defense and hustle plays, the rebounding disparity has become a glaring Achilles’ heel. Kevon Looney has been a reliable presence in the paint, but beyond him, the Warriors lack the size and physicality needed to compete with teams that boast dominant big men like Davis.
Curry’s reaction to the stat was one of disbelief. “That’s tough to hear,” he said, pausing to collect his thoughts. “You can’t expect to win games in this league if you’re giving teams second and third opportunities. It’s something we have to figure out, and we have to figure it out fast.”
The game against the Lakers encapsulated many of the Warriors’ ongoing struggles. Golden State was outrebounded 52-36, with Los Angeles grabbing 14 offensive boards. These extra possessions allowed the Lakers to control the tempo and extend their lead whenever the Warriors tried to mount a comeback.
Additionally, the Warriors’ defensive rotations were frequently a step slow, leading to wide-open looks for the Lakers. The team’s reliance on small-ball lineups, a strategy that worked during their championship runs, has become less effective as other teams have adapted.
On offense, the Warriors remained overly reliant on Curry, who carried the scoring load with little support from his teammates. Klay Thompson struggled, shooting just 3-of-14 from the field, while Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga failed to make a significant impact. The bench, expected to be bolstered by Chris Paul’s presence, contributed just 20 points.
The rebounding statistic isn’t just an isolated issue; it’s emblematic of deeper problems within the Warriors’ roster construction. The team’s lack of size and physicality has been a recurring theme this season, and it raises questions about their ability to compete against the elite teams in the Western Conference.
While Curry remains one of the league’s most dynamic players, his heroics alone aren’t enough to mask the team’s deficiencies. The Warriors have tried to integrate younger players like Kuminga and Moses Moody into larger roles, but their development has been inconsistent. Meanwhile, veterans like Thompson and Green are no longer the dominant forces they once were, leaving Curry to shoulder an unsustainable burden.
With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the Warriors face a critical decision: stand pat and hope for internal improvement or make a bold move to address their weaknesses. General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has acknowledged the team’s struggles but has yet to signal whether significant changes are on the horizon.
Adding size and rebounding help seems like a priority, but finding the right trade partner won’t be easy. The Warriors have limited assets to offer, and any trade involving key players like Thompson or Kuminga would carry significant risks.
Curry, for his part, remains optimistic but realistic. “We’ve been through tough times before,” he said. “But it’s on us to figure it out. Nobody’s going to feel sorry for us.”
Despite their struggles, it’s too early to count the Warriors out entirely. Curry’s individual brilliance gives them a chance in any game, and if Thompson can find his rhythm and the younger players step up, Golden State could still make a push for the playoffs.
However, time is running out. The Western Conference is as competitive as ever, and the Warriors can’t afford to fall further behind in the standings. Their upcoming schedule doesn’t offer much relief, with matchups against several top-tier teams on the horizon.
The loss to the Lakers and the bleak rebounding stat serve as a wake-up call for the Warriors. For a team that has achieved so much over the past decade, the challenges they face now are as much about identity as they are about execution.
The Warriors must decide whether they are still the championship-caliber team they aspire to be or whether it’s time to start planning for the future. For Curry, who has given everything to the franchise, the answer may define the remainder of his career.
As the season progresses, one thing is clear: the Warriors can’t continue on their current path. Whether through trades, adjustments, or sheer determination, changes must be made if they hope to salvage their season and restore their place among the NBA’s elite.