The Golden State Warriors’ elimination from the 2025 NBA Playoffs in Game 5 marked the end of a chapter that many basketball fans and analysts had hoped would extend deeper into the postseason. Their loss to the formidable opponent they faced underscored the fierce competition of this year’s playoffs, where every possession, every play, and every decision on the court carried monumental significance. This loss, while disappointing for the Warriors and their supporters, offers a deeper insight into the team’s trajectory, the challenges they faced, and the future of the franchise.
To fully grasp the magnitude of the Warriors’ early exit, it’s important to break down the series, their season leading up to the playoffs, and the underlying factors that contributed to their elimination.
The Warriors, coming off a regular season that saw them finish with a strong record, entered the 2025 NBA Playoffs with high hopes. Their roster, anchored by the veteran leadership of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, had been through the highs and lows of recent seasons, yet they remained one of the most formidable teams in the league.
However, their opponent in the first round posed significant challenges: a squad that had been building momentum throughout the season and showcased a potent combination of offense and defense. From the opening tip of the series, it was clear that this was not going to be a typical Warriors’ playoff run.
In Game 5, the final nail in the coffin for the Warriors came after a dramatic series of events. The Warriors found themselves playing catch-up in the later stages of the game, unable to contain their opponents’ dynamic offense, and their defense, which had been a strength throughout the regular season, faltered at critical moments. Despite a few heroic efforts from Curry and Thompson, they could not close the gap.
The 2024-2025 NBA regular season for the Golden State Warriors was filled with promise, but it also came with its fair share of challenges. There were flashes of brilliance, but also moments where the team struggled with consistency.
Stephen Curry, despite being in the later stages of his career, continued to prove why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time. Throughout the regular season, Curry averaged over 30 points per game, often carrying the team on his back during moments when they seemed to be faltering. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, especially from three-point range, remained unmatched, and his leadership on and off the floor was vital for the Warriors’ success.
However, as the playoffs approached, Curry’s injuries began to surface more prominently. While nothing major, nagging issues with his ankle and a few minor tweaks to his shooting hand caused some concerns. Though Curry played through these challenges, it was clear that his body was no longer the same as it was in his younger years, and this affected his overall performance in the playoffs.
After a long period of recovery from Achilles and ACL injuries, Klay Thompson had a solid, though somewhat uneven, 2024-2025 season. Thompson was still capable of going on scoring binges, and his defense was valuable, but he was not the same all-around player he once was. He finished the regular season with an average of 21 points per game, but there were stretches where his shooting percentages dipped, particularly from beyond the arc.
In the playoffs, Thompson’s performance became even more crucial. While he had moments where he looked like the old Klay—scoring efficiently and providing necessary perimeter defense—there were also stretches of games where he struggled. His inability to maintain consistency during crucial moments in the playoffs was a major reason the Warriors couldn’t capitalize on their potential.
Draymond Green remained the heart and soul of the Warriors’ defense. His ability to guard multiple positions, facilitate the offense, and make key plays in clutch moments continued to be invaluable. However, his offensive game has long been a limitation, and his tendency to be inconsistent in scoring hurt the Warriors in their attempt to stretch the floor. While Green’s defensive tenacity was apparent, he also became a target for the opposing teams due to his struggles on offense.
The Warriors’ supporting cast also played a major role in their playoff journey. Players like Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney, and Moses Moody all showed flashes of brilliance during the regular season. Poole, in particular, had an up-and-down season, often struggling with his shot selection and decision-making. Looney, on the other hand, was a steady presence in the frontcourt, but his limitations on offense were a hindrance when the Warriors needed scoring from all areas of the floor.
The Warriors’ bench, while filled with potential, lacked the same consistency as their stars. This inconsistency was magnified in the playoffs, as the team’s depth was often tested. In a series where matchups and rotations were key, the Warriors found themselves coming up short in key areas.
While the Warriors’ shortcomings were evident, it’s also important to acknowledge the strength of their opponent. The team they faced in the first round had been surging throughout the season, blending youth and experience. This opponent capitalized on the Warriors’ defensive lapses and made life difficult for Golden State’s stars.
One of the key differences between the two teams was depth. The opponent had several players who could step up on both ends of the floor, whereas the Warriors were often reliant on their core trio of Curry, Thompson, and Green. This lack of depth became increasingly evident as the series wore on.
Defensively, the Warriors were known for their switching schemes and the leadership of Green in anchoring the defense. However, the opposing team’s ball movement and cutting off the ball exposed some weaknesses in the Warriors’ system. They were able to exploit Curry’s defensive limitations and challenge Thompson’s consistency on defense, especially when he was forced to guard quicker, more athletic players.
Offensively, the Warriors struggled to find the necessary rhythm. Curry, while still effective, was often the focal point of the defense, and the lack of a reliable second scoring option hurt Golden State. While Thompson and Poole could step up at times, they were unable to deliver consistently enough in clutch moments.
In Game 5, it became apparent that the Warriors could not overcome the adversity they faced. There were a few key moments that spelled the end of their playoff run.
Throughout the game, the Warriors’ offense looked disjointed. In the final minutes, when they needed a run to close the gap, Curry’s leadership wasn’t enough to spark the team. The opposing team’s defense locked down on Curry, forcing others to step up. Unfortunately for the Warriors, Thompson’s shot wasn’t falling, and Green’s inability to space the floor left the offense stagnant.
Poole, known for his ability to heat up, also failed to make a significant impact in the closing moments, and this lack of offensive firepower left the Warriors scrambling to execute under pressure.
Turnovers also played a significant role in the Warriors’ elimination. Throughout the series, they had been prone to uncharacteristic mistakes, with Game 5 being no exception. In the clutch moments, turnovers and missed opportunities to capitalize on fast breaks further frustrated the Warriors’ hopes for a comeback.
In addition to the mental and strategic challenges, injuries and fatigue played a significant role in the Warriors’ elimination. As the series progressed, it was evident that Curry’s minor injuries were impacting his explosiveness and shooting accuracy. The team’s aging core of Curry, Thompson, and Green had already been playing more minutes than ever, and the grueling nature of the series exposed some of their physical limitations.
The opponent, by contrast, seemed to have fresher legs and more energy, particularly in the latter stages of the game.
Despite their early exit, the Warriors’ legacy remains intact. The 2025 playoff series was just one chapter in what has been a historically successful era. Over the past decade, the Warriors have been one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, capturing multiple championships and redefining the game with their innovative style of play, led by the brilliance of Curry and the supporting efforts of Thompson, Green, and others.
As the 2025 NBA season wraps up, the question remains: What does the future hold for the Golden State Warriors?
The Warriors’ future, much like their past, will be shaped by the decisions made in the offseason. The team’s aging core cannot play at an elite level forever, and there will be increasing pressure to build around the remaining years of Curry’s prime. There are questions about whether the team needs to refresh its roster by adding younger talent, or whether they will continue to rely on their veterans for another deep playoff run.
The team’s management will likely focus on adding complementary pieces through the draft, trades, or free agency. They will also need to address the question of whether to extend or retool parts of the roster, especially in regard to Poole and Green’s future with the team.
One thing is clear: the Warriors are far from being in full rebuild mode. Their core is still one of the most dangerous in the league, and with the right adjustments, they could continue to be contenders for years to come.
The Golden State Warriors’ elimination from the 2025 NBA Playoffs was a disappointing conclusion to a promising season. While the end of this chapter marks a somber moment for the franchise, it also highlights the unpredictability of playoff basketball and the relentless nature of competition in the NBA. The Warriors, with their wealth of experience, still have the potential to contend in the future. However, they will need to adapt to the changing landscape of the league, address their depth issues, and continue to find ways to maximize the remaining prime years of their star players. The 2025 playoff exit may sting now, but it’s clear the Warriors’ legacy is far from finished.
