Jimmy Butler Rips Warriors' Defense After Loss to Blazers, We're 'Not Guarding Nobody'
Jimmy Butler isn't pleased with the Golden State Warriors' defensive effort after a 127-123 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Butler's explanation for what went wrong was simply "we're not guarding nobody."
Butler's assessment isn't unfounded because they have been very erratic so far. Friday marked the ninth time in 18 games that Golden State has allowed at least 120 points. Opposing teams only reached that mark 16 times during the entire 2024-25 season.
Adding to the frustration for Butler is the Blazers put up 127 points without Jrue Holiday. The veteran point guard, who is averaging a career-high 8.3 assists per game, missed his fourth straight game due to a calf injury.
The Warriors' lack of size did show up in this game. All five Blazers starters were 6'7" or taller. The only Golden State starter who is 6'7" is Butler. Donovan Clingan, who is 7'2", scored a career-high 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Deni Avdija put up a double-double with 26 points and 13 assists in the win. The Warriors also didn't have an answer when Caleb Love entered the game. The undrafted rookie, who had a total of 39 points in his first seven appearances, scored 26 points and made six of his 14 three-point attempts in 38 minutes.
Overall this season, the Warriors defense has actually been their strength. They rank 10th in defensive rating, but just 23rd in offense.
On a game-to-game basis, though, that unit hasn't looked like it did when they led the NBA in rating over the final 31 games after Butler was acquired from the Miami Heat.
If the Warriors aren't going to have an elite defense, it puts a lot more pressure on an offense that outside of Butler and Stephen Curry doesn't have a lot of players who can create points.
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