BREAKING: The Golden State Warriors Knocked Out of the Playoffs, Ending Their Run in the Second Round
In a shocking turn of events, the Golden State Warriors have been officially eliminated from the 2025 NBA playoffs, marking the end of a valiant run that fell short in the second round. After an intense series against the Denver Nuggets, which was filled with drama, high stakes, and all the excitement the postseason is known for, the Warriors’ campaign came to an end with a heartbreaking 4-2 series loss.
This exit marks the end of a significant era for the Warriors. While their 2025 playoff run was ambitious and filled with potential, their elimination serves as a reminder that even the most dominant teams can face challenges. Golden State’s storied franchise, which has defined an entire era of modern basketball, now faces the reality of a future without guaranteed championship contention. What went wrong? What were the defining moments of their season? And what lies ahead for a team that’s been one of the NBA’s most successful franchises in recent years? This analysis dives deep into the Warriors’ playoff exit and what it means for the team moving forward.
To fully understand the significance of the Warriors’ elimination, we must first reflect on the journey that brought them here. The Golden State Warriors have been nothing short of a dynasty for the last decade. From the time they broke through to win the 2015 NBA championship, to their dominant run through the 2017 and 2018 seasons, the Warriors revolutionized the game. Their shooting prowess, led by the legendary Stephen Curry, combined with an exceptional supporting cast that includes Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and the 2023 Finals MVP Andrew Wiggins, set the league on fire.
The Warriors’ style of play has become the model for modern basketball. They transformed the NBA into a league where three-point shooting, pace, and space became the keys to success. Golden State’s brand of basketball elevated them to iconic status, as they racked up championships, broke records, and cemented themselves as one of the greatest teams in NBA history. Their success, which spanned from the mid-2010s through the early 2020s, was a direct result of their innovative approach, their elite shooting, and their focus on unselfish, ball-moving offense.
However, as with any dynasty, time eventually catches up with every team. The Warriors’ near-perfect run faced its first major speed bump in 2019 when Kevin Durant left the team and the injuries to Thompson and Curry saw the franchise miss the playoffs altogether in 2020. Yet, despite the setbacks, the Warriors bounced back stronger in the next few seasons, winning their fourth championship in 2022 and proving that they were far from finished.
But even in the face of another championship, there were signs that the Warriors might be nearing the end of their peak. The 2024-2025 season seemed like it could be another shot at glory, but challenges remained. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and a growing tension between the older core and the emerging younger players created uncertainty about the team’s ability to maintain their level of dominance. Now, that uncertainty has manifested into what is undoubtedly a disappointing postseason exit.
The 2025 postseason began with great anticipation. Golden State finished the regular season with a solid record, with Curry leading the charge, averaging over 30 points per game, and Wiggins playing his role as a two-way force. However, injuries again played a role in the Warriors’ playoff hopes. Klay Thompson, who had been recovering from the setbacks of his own injuries in recent seasons, entered the playoffs with lingering questions surrounding his consistency and overall impact.
Despite these concerns, the Warriors were still formidable. Their first-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder was seen as a chance for Golden State to get their rhythm back before facing tougher competition. They dispatched the Thunder in five games, with Curry reminding everyone of his transcendent ability, averaging nearly 35 points per game in the series.
However, things took a dramatic turn in the second round when they were matched up against the Denver Nuggets, a team that had proven themselves as one of the most complete and well-coached teams in the league. Led by MVP contender Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets had a deep roster and a balanced game plan, featuring an explosive offense and one of the best defenses in the league.
The series against the Nuggets was set to be a clash of two contrasting styles. The Warriors’ up-tempo, perimeter-oriented offense was going to be challenged by Denver’s balanced, inside-out game. It promised to be a tactical battle, with both teams boasting high-level players capable of changing the course of the series.
From the outset, it was clear that this series was going to be a grueling one. Golden State came out strong in the first two games, securing a split in Denver and returning home with the series tied at 1-1. However, in Game 3, the cracks began to show. Despite a heroic performance from Curry, who dropped 40 points, the Nuggets’ superior depth and defensive adjustments gave them a slight edge. Jokić was, as always, a mismatch for the Warriors, finding ways to exploit their lack of size and crashing the glass at will. The Warriors struggled to contain Denver’s dynamic offense, and their defense, which had been an area of concern throughout the regular season, became even more of a liability.
Golden State’s defense, which had been a cornerstone of their dynasty in earlier years, was not up to par in this series. The Nuggets exploited the Warriors’ defensive schemes, with Jokić orchestrating offense with surgical precision. Denver’s ability to hit outside shots and control the tempo made it difficult for Golden State to generate the fast breaks and open looks they are known for. What’s more, the Warriors were forced into a series of isolations and half-court sets, something they struggled to execute consistently.
In Game 4, the Warriors had a chance to bounce back, but a combination of poor shooting and mental mistakes allowed Denver to take control of the series. Curry, who had been sensational throughout the postseason, seemed to tire under the immense pressure. Klay Thompson, despite his contributions, was visibly inconsistent, and Draymond Green’s impact was limited as he struggled to defend against Denver’s versatile offensive players.
Game 5 was a must-win for Golden State, but once again, the Nuggets proved to be the more complete team. Jokić put up another triple-double, and the Warriors could not find their rhythm. Even with Curry putting up another 30-point effort, the lack of defensive cohesion and the inability to get stops when it mattered most cost the Warriors the game. Denver took a commanding 3-2 series lead, putting Golden State on the brink of elimination.
In Game 6, the Warriors came out with desperation, but it quickly became clear that their postseason hopes were hanging by a thread. The Nuggets’ suffocating defense and methodical offense wore the Warriors down. Despite a valiant performance from Curry, who dropped 37 points, the Warriors simply had no answer for Denver’s balanced attack. Jokić continued to dominate inside, while Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. all contributed key plays at crucial moments. Golden State’s defense was stretched thin, and the lack of secondary scoring from Thompson and Green left them vulnerable.
As the final buzzer sounded, sealing the Warriors’ fate, it was evident that this series was not just a case of bad luck. The Warriors, who have been so accustomed to finishing strong in big moments, could not find a way to stop the juggernaut that was the Nuggets. The 4-2 series loss left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans who had expected at least another Finals appearance.
The Warriors’ playoff exit raises significant questions about the future of the team. The core of Curry, Thompson, and Green has been together for over a decade, and while they have shown that they can still compete at an elite level, it is clear that the team needs to evolve. The emergence of younger players like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga could play a crucial role in the team’s future, but there are questions about whether Golden State’s front office is willing to make tough decisions regarding the team’s veteran leadership.
In particular, Green’s future is uncertain. The fiery forward has been the emotional heart of the team, but his contract situation and his role in the Warriors’ system are becoming more complicated. With the Warriors potentially entering a rebuilding phase or a transition period, the coming offseason could bring significant changes.
Furthermore, the Warriors’ management must address their defense and depth issues, which were exposed during the Denver series. If Golden State is to remain a contender, they will need to improve their defensive consistency and add more reliable shooters and defenders to complement their stars.
While the end of the 2025 season may signal the end of an era for Golden State, it also opens up new possibilities for the future. Whether through trades, free agency, or player development, the Warriors will likely look to recalibrate and find new ways to return to the top of the NBA once again. But for now, fans must come to terms with the reality that their team’s championship window has closed, at least for the time being.
The Golden State Warriors’ exit from the playoffs is not just the end of a season, but the beginning of a new chapter. One thing is clear: Golden State basketball, in whatever form it takes moving forward, will remain a major force in the NBA for years to come.
