Four reasons the Warriors are fading fast

The Golden State Warriors have been one of the best stories of the 2024-2025 NBA season. 

Losing Klay Thompson in free agency and failing to acquire a star replacement in the offseason didn't prevent the dynastic Dubs from catapulting themselves to first place in the Western Conference in the opening weeks of the season, peaking at 10-2 entering the week of Nov. 18. 

The last half-dozen or so games haven't been too kind to the Warriors, though. Losses to the Clippers, Spurs and Nets included two second-half collapses in which the team couldn't secure wins after leading by at least 15 points in the third quarter. 

Why are the Warriors starting to struggle? Can they correct these errors in-house or is there a dramatic front-office move that needs to be made to maintain their hot start? 

Steve Kerr's rotation is too large

What started out as a surprising asset for Golden State has transformed into an obstacle for head coach Steve Kerr. The Warriors have been using almost their entire roster for the first month of the season, but many have wondered whether this type of "strength in numbers" approach was sustainable. 

With too many players getting regular minutes, it has been hard for starters such as Steph Curry to get over 30 minutes per contest. Without its only star on the floor, Golden State is struggling to maintain leads in the second half. Kerr must truncate his bench in an effort to keep the best players on the floor at least several more minutes per game. 

Buddy Hield cooled off

After scoring over 20 points in six of his first seven games this season, Buddy Hield hasn't scored over 18 points in any of his last 10 contests. The lack of scoring punch next to Curry in the backcourt is a major concern without Hield doing his best Klay Thompson impression. 

Others on the roster must pick up the slack. Kerr should give Moses Moody more minutes and encourage Brandin Podziemski to shoot more often. Podziemski has been cold from all over the floor this year, but his potential as a scorer is vital. 

They haven't made a trade for a second option

Golden State was active in the offseason rumor mill as it tried to find Curry another weapon on offense. From Paul George to Lauri Markkanen, the Warriors did their due diligence to find a Robin to Curry's Batman. 

Versatile second scoring options don't just fall from the sky, though. The Dubs must find a way to make a trade for another player without compromising the chemistry of their current roster. NBA insider Jake Weinbach has mentioned that Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets might be an option, but will the injured De'Anthony Melton and a draft pick be enough to get someone like that? 

A road-heavy schedule has sucked the life out of them

Everyone plays the same amount of road games, but the Warriors are probably travel-weary by this point. Ten of their 17 games have been on the road, and they haven't played more than three consecutive home games yet. 

A sustained stretch in the Bay Area might be the anecdote to their fading energy at the end of games. Tough games against West contenders such as Oklahoma City, Phoenix, and Denver in the coming days will continue to test their resolve and energy.