Jimmy Butler Sends Wake-Up Call to Warriors Teammates Ami...

By Evan Massey

Contributing Sports Writer

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Heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, the Golden State Warriors were expected to be a serious contender in the Western Conference. While the season is still young the Warriors have started off the year slowly.

At this point, Golden State holds a 9-9 record. Over the last three games, the Warriors have lost three straight.

Granted, there is no reason for big concern this early in a season. However, the early returns have not been as good as the team would have liked. Jimmy Butler clearly isn't enjoying the losing skid that Golden State has been on recently.

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Following the Warriors' 127-123 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, Butler spoke out with a very pointed message to his teammates.

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Throughout the first 18 games of the season, the Golden State defense simply hasn't been great. That has been a big cause for the struggles the team has had thus far. Butler called attention to that fact.

As shared by Anthony Slater of ESPN, Butler called out the team's defense as a huge factor in the three-game losing streak the Warriors have had.

“We’re just not guarding nobody. From what I can tell, I haven’t been here long, but that’s never been the formula here," Butler said. "I’m always optimistic. But I’m also honest.”

Butler is spot on with his analysis of the team's defense. In the last three games, Golden State has given up 121 points to the Orlando Magic, 110 points to the Miami Heat, and 127 points to the Trail Blazers.

It is hard to win games in the NBA giving up those scoring numbers. On the season, the Warriors are averaging giving up 114.9 points per game to opponents. That number places them at No. 11 in the NBA in scoring defense.

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While the problem has not been an issue each and every night, the last three games have offered some concern on the defensive front. Butler is doing his best to lead his team back to success. Beginning by improving defensively is a great start.

Next up for Golden State will be a matchup at home against the Utah Jazz on Monday night. Butler and company will look to power their way back into the win column.

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