The Golden State Warriors’ seven-game win streak was snapped by a depleted Denver Nuggets last night. While Stephen Curry struggled to find the bottom of the net, Aaron Gordon stepped up for the Nuggets, scoring a season-high 38 points to secure the 114-105 win at Chase Center.
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The loss highlighted a concerning issue for the Warriors, who had found a second wind since trading for Jimmy Butler. Between February 8 (Butler’s debut) and March 17, Golden State won 14 of their 17 matchups. And Curry averaged 30.7 points in February. However this month, the two-time MVP’s average has fallen to 25.9 points.
It’s still impressive production from the 37-year-old, but not exactly what we have come to expect from him. Over his last five games, the Chef is shooting just 37% from the field and Steve Kerr seems to know why.
Following last night’s loss in San Francisco, Kerr spoke about Steph’s struggles on the hardwood. “Steph’s been carrying us for a month. He’s been amazing,” said the Warriors head coach.
“He’s tired so we gotta get him some rest. You can see it, he doesn’t have his energy right now,” Kerr added during the post-game press conference.
The fatigue resulted in an inefficient and error-prone outing by Curry. He scored 20 points while shooting 6-of-21 from the field and 4-of-14 from three-point range. The Nuggets took advantage of his off-night by forcing Steph to turn over the ball seven times.
“He’s exhausted right now. So, we’ve gotta absolutely consider giving him the night [off] and getting him rejuvenated,” Kerr reiterated.
Steve Kerr on Steph Curry
“He’s tired”
“He’s exhausted”
“He’s been carrying us for a month”
Kerr said they’d “potentially” sit him tomorrow vs Bucks in hopes to get him rejuvenated pic.twitter.com/dTCdl9ZNrr
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 18, 2025
Since the Warriors remain tied with the Timberwolves in the Western Conference standings, Curry’s production is essential for the team. Without Steph on the floor, Kerr will need somebody to step up and carry the offense. Butler believes that the responsibility falls upon him.
“That’s on myself and that’s on us as a unit to pick up the slack for him,” the six-time All-Star stated. “Everybody wants to think that he [Curry] is superhuman. He is not. And he’s our leader and we must protect him at all times. That’s on myself for sure.”
From creating easier looks for his teammates to securing loose balls and rebounds, Butler argued that there are many things he can do to take some of the load off Curry. However, the biggest contribution Steph needs is in the scoring department.
Six Warriors players currently average double-digit points per game. But Curry is the only one to cross 20. Additional help in that area would allow the four-time NBA champion get more rest.
But unlike Butler and Kerr, Draymond Green doesn’t feel only Curry is exhausted. While not undermining Steph’s effort and fatigue, Green suggested that Curry isn’t the only one feeling the rigors of the long season.
“It’s Game 68. I think we’re all tired. It’s the reality of the NBA so we just gotta all figure out a way… Unfortunately, we got a lot to play for in these games so we don’t get the luxury of taking off games or you know, a bunch of rest. We need to win games,” Green remarked.
While Dray, Kerr, and Butler might not be on the same page at the moment, there is one certain thing — Curry needs scoring help and his teammates need to step up.
