OKLAHOMA CITY — The Golden State Warriors dropped their sixth straight road game Tuesday night, a 126-102 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and veteran forward Draymond Green openly wondered whether the club is as dedicated to winning as it was a year ago.
“I think everybody was committed to winning back then,” Green said, referring to the stretch that followed February 2024’s trade for Jimmy Butler when the Warriors finished last season 23-8. “Right now, it doesn’t feel that way.”
The loss came two nights after a 25-point setback in Denver and left Golden State at 5-7, a stark contrast to the 5-1 start that opened 2025-26. Green added that players across the league have “personal agendas” but must keep them inside team goals or risk being moved out.
Butler echoed the call for accountability. “Everybody has to be honest with themselves,” he said. “Everybody has to be honest with everyone else.”
Youth movement under microscope
Green’s remarks spotlighted two young Warriors who have voiced ambition for larger roles:
- Brandin Podziemski — The third-year guard, who said in preseason he aims to “be better” than Stephen Curry, is averaging 12.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
- Jonathan Kuminga — Following a summer contract standoff, the fifth-year forward leads the roster with 348 minutes played but committed five turnovers in 24 minutes Tuesday, his fourth game with at least four giveaways in the past seven.
Head coach Steve Kerr and Butler both cited turnovers as a primary issue. “I can’t have turnovers,” Butler said. “JK can’t have turnovers.”
Curry’s return and schedule crunch
Stephen Curry, back from an illness that sidelined him three games, shot 4-for-13 and picked up five fouls — including the first flagrant of his 17-year career. He acknowledged chasing his own rhythm during the skid. “Commitment to winning is just running the floor, rebounding, taking care of the basketball,” Curry said.
The Warriors flew to San Antonio after the game for Wednesday’s meeting with the surging Spurs, the second contest of a six-game trip. Kerr said Green is “banged up” and may sit, while Curry labeled himself a game-time decision.
Source: ESPN
