Why Are Stephen Curry and Co Struggling? Gilbert Arenas Divulges Warriors’ Biggest Challenge That Got Neglected in KD Era

The Golden State Warriors are having their worst season in the last decade. They have won only nine games so far and are ranked 11th in the Western Conference standings. Warriors’ Big-3 of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green have been unable to get their offense going, and many believe their dynasty is coming to an end. Even though Golden State won a Championship in 2022, they have not been a major threat since Kevin Durant left the team in 2019.

NBA legend Gilbert Arenas revealed what has changed in Golden State post-KD era that has led to their downfall this season.

Gilbert Arenas reveals the Warriors’ biggest challenge post-KD era

Washington Wizards legend Gilbert Arenas addressed the Warriors’ awful start to the season in the Gil’s Arena podcast. He believes that even though fans are blaming Klay Thompson for the Warriors’ failure, the reason for their awful start is their defense. Whenever Stephen Curry and Co. have won a Championship without Kevin Durant, they have been the best defensive team in the league. The Warriors were number 1 in defensive rating in the 2014-15 season and again in the 2021-22 season. But Golden State’s defense is failing them this year. They are ranked 17th in the league with a defensive rating of 114.4.

Arenas said, “This year they are ranked 17th. So, they are not stopping anybody.” Even during KD’s first year in Golden State, the Warriors were a solid defensive team and were ranked 2nd in the league. Their performance declined the following year as they fell to 11th in defense. “The KD years, they didn’t need defense,” Arenas said. As KD, Steph, and Klay were all offensive juggernauts, Golden State could ease up on defense. But they cannot afford to do that this season.

Is the Warriors dynasty coming to an end?

Golden State Warriors are nowhere close to being a Championship team this season. They have been plagued by injuries and controversies, and their performance has declined massively this year. Their defensive anchor, Draymond Green, has missed seven games due to multiple reasons, and the Warriors’ defense has struggled in his absence. Stephen Curry and Co. added Chris Paul to their roster hoping to win another title, but he has been out due to injury.

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We might be witnessing the downfall of one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. Steph, Klay, and Draymond are in the later stages of their career, and their opponents have gotten a lot better this season. Klay is due for a contract extension and might enter free agency next year. If the Warriors fail to win a title this year, their front office might start thinking of a rebuild and make some big moves next off-season.

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