Jimmy Butler unloaded on the Warriors’ lack of rebounding and adherence to game plans after dropping to 10-10. He highlighted failures in boxing out opponents and allowing easy paint access and free throws, calling the effort disheartening.

Butler made clear the responsibility lies with players, not coach Steve Kerr, despite Kerr’s tendency to shoulder blame publicly.​

His comments echoed earlier critiques after losses to Portland and others, where he noted inconsistent motivation against lesser foes.

At 36, Butler leads with 21 points in the defeat, refusing to accept mediocrity from a squad with championship pedigree. Teammate Brandin Podziemski pushed back mildly, insisting the group cares deeply amid rising locker room tension.​

Defensive Woes Exposed in Loss

Golden State squandered a double-digit halftime lead, shooting 0-for-8 from deep in the third as Houston capitalized with 25 offensive rebounds.

Draymond Green labeled the individual defense awful, amplifying Butler’s points on poor execution. The Rockets’ physicality overwhelmed a unit that ranks middling in defensive rating despite elite personnel.​

This marks the fourth loss in five games, erasing a 4-1 start and exposing vulnerabilities without peak Stephen Curry, who exited late with a quad contusion. Curry’s absence tests depth, with the Warriors holding a poor historical mark sans their star.​

Road Ahead Without Curry

Facing New Orleans on Saturday and Oklahoma City next, Golden State confronts a brutal stretch at 8th in the West. Butler’s candor aims to spark urgency, drawing from his playoff-tested grit to rally a group blending veterans like Green and youth like Jonathan Kuminga.

Consistency in details could salvage early-season hopes before Curry’s projected return around December 4.