On the night of April 9, 2025, the Golden State Warriors suffered an unexpected and disheartening defeat against the San Antonio Spurs, ending with a close 114-111 scoreline at the Chase Center. The game concluded dramatically with a buzzer-beating three-pointer from former Warrior Harrison Barnes, sealing a loss that left fans stunned and players frustrated. Despite standout performances from Steph Curry, who dropped 30 points, and Jimmy Butler III, who efficiently scored 28, the Warriors couldn’t hold off a determined Spurs squad. The result was a bitter pill for a team vying for a strong position in the Western Conference, especially against an opponent not considered among the season’s elite. The packed arena witnessed a collapse in the final moments, as individual brilliance failed to overcome collective shortcomings, marking this as one of the most disappointing setbacks of the Warriors’ campaign.
Steph Curry once again proved his value, leading the Warriors with 12-of-24 shooting, including five three-pointers out of 14 attempts. In the 37 minutes he played, the team outscored the Spurs by 13 points, a testament to his pivotal role. However, the 11 minutes he spent on the bench were disastrous, with San Antonio building a 16-point advantage. The loss can’t be pinned on Curry, who delivered the consistency expected from one of the NBA’s all-time greats, but rather on defensive lapses and a lack of team cohesion in crunch time. His presence kept the Warriors competitive, yet it wasn’t enough to prevent the late-game meltdown that handed the Spurs the victory.
Jimmy Butler III also had a remarkable night, showcasing extraordinary efficiency with 28 points on just eight field goal attempts. He went 5-for-8 from the field, 2-for-2 from beyond the arc, and an astounding 16-for-17 from the free-throw line, resulting in a true-shooting percentage (TS) of 90.4%. Butler stepped up big in the fourth quarter, particularly when Curry rested, keeping the Warriors in contention. Despite his -9 plus/minus, his offensive output—paired with seven assists and only one turnover—highlighted his critical contribution. However, the team’s defensive struggles allowed the Spurs to stay in the game, culminating in Barnes’ game-winning shot that silenced the home crowd.
Curry’s effort not enough to avoid upset
Expectations were high for the Warriors heading into the matchup with the Spurs. Positioned as a contender in the Western Conference, Golden State faced a San Antonio team that, while historically significant, isn’t dominating the 2024-2025 season. This made the loss sting even more. Curry’s 30 points, eight rebounds, and three assists underscored his leadership, with his long-range shooting keeping the Warriors afloat. Yet, the lack of consistent support from teammates was glaring. When Curry was on the floor, the offense clicked and the defense held firm at times, but the final minutes exposed vulnerabilities that San Antonio exploited ruthlessly.
Draymond Green delivered a mixed performance. His stat line of 13 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists looks impressive, and his defensive plays—like a key block in the third quarter—nearly turned the tide. Still, Green faded at crucial moments, particularly on defense, where the Spurs’ guards found gaps. His three turnovers and four fouls didn’t help, and while he wasn’t the sole reason for the loss, his impact fell short of what his numbers suggest. The Warriors needed his presence to anchor the team, but it wasn’t consistent enough to stop the Spurs’ late surge.
Jimmy Butler III, meanwhile, shone brightly. His 28 points came at critical junctures, with his free-throw accuracy keeping Golden State in the fight. In the fourth quarter, he was the standout, hitting shots and drawing fouls while Curry rested. Even so, the team’s collective defense faltered, and the Spurs capitalized. Butler’s efficiency stood out in a game where the Warriors needed more from others to complement his and Curry’s efforts.
- Key individual performances in the Warriors’ loss:
- Steph Curry: 30 points, 61.4% TS, +13 plus/minus.
- Jimmy Butler III: 28 points, 90.4% TS, seven assists.
- Draymond Green: 13 points, nine rebounds, eight assists.

Spurs capitalize on Warriors’ defensive lapses
The San Antonio Spurs made the most of Golden State’s mistakes. Harrison Barnes, a Warrior from 2012 to 2016, became the night’s unlikely hero. His three-pointer at the buzzer followed a well-executed play that exposed a defensive breakdown. Barnes’ shot not only clinched the 114-111 win but also evoked memories of his time with Golden State, where he contributed to the 2015 championship. For Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, it was a masterstroke, turning a tight game into a statement victory.
Golden State’s defense, typically a strength under Steve Kerr and Draymond Green, underperformed. Moses Moody, playing 31 minutes, struggled to contain San Antonio’s guards, shooting just 3-for-11 and posting a 31.8% TS. Brandin Podziemski, who’d been an offensive spark recently, faltered with seven points in 33 minutes, hitting only 3-of-11 shots. Their defensive shortcomings allowed the Spurs to maintain momentum, setting the stage for Barnes’ decisive moment.
Jonathan Kuminga brought energy in his 18 minutes, scoring 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting by attacking the rim. However, his defensive effort was subpar, and he didn’t always keep the ball moving. Buddy Hield started strong with early three-pointers but faded, finishing with 12 points in 26 minutes and a 46.2% TS. These inconsistent contributions left gaps that San Antonio exploited to secure the upset.
Butler III delivers historic efficiency in vain
Few players achieve the kind of efficiency Jimmy Butler III displayed against the Spurs. His 28 points on eight field goal attempts, paired with 16-of-17 free throws, rank among the season’s top performances. With a TS of 90.4%—well above the league average of 57.6% entering the game—he was nearly flawless offensively. Adding seven assists and just one turnover, Butler showed poise and playmaking in a game where the Warriors desperately needed stability.
In the fourth quarter, Butler took charge, especially during Curry’s bench time. His free throws and two timely three-pointers kept Golden State close, but he couldn’t do it alone. The Spurs adjusted to neutralize other threats, and despite Butler’s brilliance, the Warriors’ defense couldn’t stop Barnes’ final shot. His performance was a highlight in an otherwise dim night, underscoring both his value and the team’s reliance on a few key players.
The paradox of the Warriors’ loss lies here: two players—Curry and Butler III—excelled, yet the team fell short. The -16 scoring differential without Curry points to his outsized influence, but it also reveals the supporting cast’s inability to step up. Butler’s effort deserved a win, but collective failures overshadowed his standout night.
Loss impacts Warriors’ season trajectory
As the 2024-2025 NBA season progresses, every game matters for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Losing to a Spurs team not among the top contenders could haunt Golden State. The Warriors, aiming to reclaim past glory, saw this game as a must-win to boost morale and standings. Instead, the defeat exposed weaknesses that demand attention, from defensive lapses to inconsistent bench production.
Steve Kerr faces a challenge ahead. The defense, once a league benchmark, allowed too many easy points, and the rotation struggled. Gui Santos had a rough eight minutes, going 0-for-2 and posting a -8 plus/minus, while Trayce Jackson-Davis saw just three minutes with little impact. Kevon Looney, however, was a bright spot in his 12 minutes, going 2-for-2 from the line for a 113.6% TS, though his limited role couldn’t shift the outcome.
The Warriors must rebound quickly. This loss adds pressure to an already competitive season, and while there’s time to adjust, the Western Conference won’t forgive repeated stumbles. Fans left the Chase Center disappointed, aware that this was a missed opportunity for a team with bigger aspirations.
Barnes returns to haunt former team
Harrison Barnes’ departure from Golden State in 2016 paved the way for Kevin Durant’s arrival, but on April 9, 2025, he reminded the Warriors of his past. His buzzer-beating three-pointer was a dagger, securing the Spurs’ 114-111 victory. Known for reliability during his Warriors tenure, Barnes delivered in a clutch moment, capitalizing on a defensive lapse orchestrated by Gregg Popovich’s play design.
The shot came after San Antonio worked the ball to find Barnes open on the perimeter. He didn’t hesitate, sinking the three that turned him from ex-teammate to adversary. For Warriors fans, it was a bitter reminder of his contributions to the 2015 title, now flipped against them. Barnes’ moment underscored the Spurs’ execution and Golden State’s failure to close out the game.
This narrative adds depth to the loss. Barnes’ history with the Warriors made his game-winner a personal triumph, while for Golden State, it was a stark lesson in finishing games against familiar foes.
Curry’s centrality exposes Warriors’ reliance
The Warriors’ performance swings with Steph Curry’s presence are stark. Against the Spurs, they were +13 in his 37 minutes and -16 in the 11-plus minutes he sat. This gap highlights his indispensable role in Steve Kerr’s system. His 30 points, eight rebounds, and three assists kept Golden State competitive, but it also showed how much the team leans on him—a dependency that’s both a strength and a vulnerability.
When Curry rested, the Spurs pounced, using quick plays and mid-range shots to build their lead. Jimmy Butler III picked up some slack, but the lack of another reliable playmaker was evident. Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, expected to ease the burden, struggled with low shooting percentages and defensive miscues. At 37, Curry remains elite, but the Warriors need more from the roster to sustain success over a full game.
Adjustments are possible, but this game underscores a recurring issue: Golden State thrives with Curry but falters without him. Balancing this dynamic will be key as the season unfolds.
Critical moments seal Warriors’ fate
Breaking down the final stretch against the Spurs reveals where Golden State unraveled. With the score tight, the defense failed to stop Harrison Barnes’ open look at the buzzer. Draymond Green, despite leading in rebounds and assists, wasn’t positioned to contest the shot, and the team’s communication broke down. The Spurs’ simple yet effective play caught the Warriors off guard, ending the game on a sour note.
Earlier in the fourth, Jimmy Butler III kept hope alive with free throws and a three-pointer, while Curry’s late triple tied the score. But the ensuing possession saw defensive lapses that left Barnes free. Buddy Hield and Moses Moody’s earlier misses also hurt, giving San Antonio chances to claw back. These missteps in clutch time defined the Warriors’ downfall.
- Defining moments from the Spurs game:
- Harrison Barnes: Game-winning three at the buzzer.
- Steph Curry: +13 in 37 minutes, -16 in 11 minutes off.
- Jimmy Butler III: 16-of-17 free throws.
Team response after the setback
The Spurs loss lingered in the Warriors’ locker room. Steve Kerr, known for his measured approach, must address the frustration of a team aware of this game’s weight. Draymond Green, with a solid stat line, needs to bolster his defensive consistency to prevent repeats of Barnes’ heroics. His leadership will be crucial moving forward.
Jimmy Butler III’s brilliance can’t stand alone in Curry’s absence. His efficiency is a weapon, but the Warriors need broader offensive options. Young players like Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski must improve, particularly defensively, where they left gaps against the Spurs’ guards. The next game offers a chance to regroup, but Golden State knows consistency is non-negotiable in the Western Conference race.

On the night of April 9, 2025, the Golden State Warriors suffered an unexpected and disheartening defeat against the San Antonio Spurs, ending with a close 114-111 scoreline at the Chase Center. The game concluded dramatically with a buzzer-beating three-pointer from former Warrior Harrison Barnes, sealing a loss that left fans stunned and players frustrated. Despite standout performances from Steph Curry, who dropped 30 points, and Jimmy Butler III, who efficiently scored 28, the Warriors couldn’t hold off a determined Spurs squad. The result was a bitter pill for a team vying for a strong position in the Western Conference, especially against an opponent not considered among the season’s elite. The packed arena witnessed a collapse in the final moments, as individual brilliance failed to overcome collective shortcomings, marking this as one of the most disappointing setbacks of the Warriors’ campaign.
Steph Curry once again proved his value, leading the Warriors with 12-of-24 shooting, including five three-pointers out of 14 attempts. In the 37 minutes he played, the team outscored the Spurs by 13 points, a testament to his pivotal role. However, the 11 minutes he spent on the bench were disastrous, with San Antonio building a 16-point advantage. The loss can’t be pinned on Curry, who delivered the consistency expected from one of the NBA’s all-time greats, but rather on defensive lapses and a lack of team cohesion in crunch time. His presence kept the Warriors competitive, yet it wasn’t enough to prevent the late-game meltdown that handed the Spurs the victory.
Jimmy Butler III also had a remarkable night, showcasing extraordinary efficiency with 28 points on just eight field goal attempts. He went 5-for-8 from the field, 2-for-2 from beyond the arc, and an astounding 16-for-17 from the free-throw line, resulting in a true-shooting percentage (TS) of 90.4%. Butler stepped up big in the fourth quarter, particularly when Curry rested, keeping the Warriors in contention. Despite his -9 plus/minus, his offensive output—paired with seven assists and only one turnover—highlighted his critical contribution. However, the team’s defensive struggles allowed the Spurs to stay in the game, culminating in Barnes’ game-winning shot that silenced the home crowd.
Curry’s effort not enough to avoid upset
Expectations were high for the Warriors heading into the matchup with the Spurs. Positioned as a contender in the Western Conference, Golden State faced a San Antonio team that, while historically significant, isn’t dominating the 2024-2025 season. This made the loss sting even more. Curry’s 30 points, eight rebounds, and three assists underscored his leadership, with his long-range shooting keeping the Warriors afloat. Yet, the lack of consistent support from teammates was glaring. When Curry was on the floor, the offense clicked and the defense held firm at times, but the final minutes exposed vulnerabilities that San Antonio exploited ruthlessly.
Draymond Green delivered a mixed performance. His stat line of 13 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists looks impressive, and his defensive plays—like a key block in the third quarter—nearly turned the tide. Still, Green faded at crucial moments, particularly on defense, where the Spurs’ guards found gaps. His three turnovers and four fouls didn’t help, and while he wasn’t the sole reason for the loss, his impact fell short of what his numbers suggest. The Warriors needed his presence to anchor the team, but it wasn’t consistent enough to stop the Spurs’ late surge.
Jimmy Butler III, meanwhile, shone brightly. His 28 points came at critical junctures, with his free-throw accuracy keeping Golden State in the fight. In the fourth quarter, he was the standout, hitting shots and drawing fouls while Curry rested. Even so, the team’s collective defense faltered, and the Spurs capitalized. Butler’s efficiency stood out in a game where the Warriors needed more from others to complement his and Curry’s efforts.
- Key individual performances in the Warriors’ loss:
- Steph Curry: 30 points, 61.4% TS, +13 plus/minus.
- Jimmy Butler III: 28 points, 90.4% TS, seven assists.
- Draymond Green: 13 points, nine rebounds, eight assists.

Spurs capitalize on Warriors’ defensive lapses
The San Antonio Spurs made the most of Golden State’s mistakes. Harrison Barnes, a Warrior from 2012 to 2016, became the night’s unlikely hero. His three-pointer at the buzzer followed a well-executed play that exposed a defensive breakdown. Barnes’ shot not only clinched the 114-111 win but also evoked memories of his time with Golden State, where he contributed to the 2015 championship. For Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, it was a masterstroke, turning a tight game into a statement victory.
Golden State’s defense, typically a strength under Steve Kerr and Draymond Green, underperformed. Moses Moody, playing 31 minutes, struggled to contain San Antonio’s guards, shooting just 3-for-11 and posting a 31.8% TS. Brandin Podziemski, who’d been an offensive spark recently, faltered with seven points in 33 minutes, hitting only 3-of-11 shots. Their defensive shortcomings allowed the Spurs to maintain momentum, setting the stage for Barnes’ decisive moment.
Jonathan Kuminga brought energy in his 18 minutes, scoring 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting by attacking the rim. However, his defensive effort was subpar, and he didn’t always keep the ball moving. Buddy Hield started strong with early three-pointers but faded, finishing with 12 points in 26 minutes and a 46.2% TS. These inconsistent contributions left gaps that San Antonio exploited to secure the upset.
Butler III delivers historic efficiency in vain
Few players achieve the kind of efficiency Jimmy Butler III displayed against the Spurs. His 28 points on eight field goal attempts, paired with 16-of-17 free throws, rank among the season’s top performances. With a TS of 90.4%—well above the league average of 57.6% entering the game—he was nearly flawless offensively. Adding seven assists and just one turnover, Butler showed poise and playmaking in a game where the Warriors desperately needed stability.
In the fourth quarter, Butler took charge, especially during Curry’s bench time. His free throws and two timely three-pointers kept Golden State close, but he couldn’t do it alone. The Spurs adjusted to neutralize other threats, and despite Butler’s brilliance, the Warriors’ defense couldn’t stop Barnes’ final shot. His performance was a highlight in an otherwise dim night, underscoring both his value and the team’s reliance on a few key players.
The paradox of the Warriors’ loss lies here: two players—Curry and Butler III—excelled, yet the team fell short. The -16 scoring differential without Curry points to his outsized influence, but it also reveals the supporting cast’s inability to step up. Butler’s effort deserved a win, but collective failures overshadowed his standout night.
Loss impacts Warriors’ season trajectory
As the 2024-2025 NBA season progresses, every game matters for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Losing to a Spurs team not among the top contenders could haunt Golden State. The Warriors, aiming to reclaim past glory, saw this game as a must-win to boost morale and standings. Instead, the defeat exposed weaknesses that demand attention, from defensive lapses to inconsistent bench production.
Steve Kerr faces a challenge ahead. The defense, once a league benchmark, allowed too many easy points, and the rotation struggled. Gui Santos had a rough eight minutes, going 0-for-2 and posting a -8 plus/minus, while Trayce Jackson-Davis saw just three minutes with little impact. Kevon Looney, however, was a bright spot in his 12 minutes, going 2-for-2 from the line for a 113.6% TS, though his limited role couldn’t shift the outcome.
The Warriors must rebound quickly. This loss adds pressure to an already competitive season, and while there’s time to adjust, the Western Conference won’t forgive repeated stumbles. Fans left the Chase Center disappointed, aware that this was a missed opportunity for a team with bigger aspirations.
Barnes returns to haunt former team
Harrison Barnes’ departure from Golden State in 2016 paved the way for Kevin Durant’s arrival, but on April 9, 2025, he reminded the Warriors of his past. His buzzer-beating three-pointer was a dagger, securing the Spurs’ 114-111 victory. Known for reliability during his Warriors tenure, Barnes delivered in a clutch moment, capitalizing on a defensive lapse orchestrated by Gregg Popovich’s play design.
The shot came after San Antonio worked the ball to find Barnes open on the perimeter. He didn’t hesitate, sinking the three that turned him from ex-teammate to adversary. For Warriors fans, it was a bitter reminder of his contributions to the 2015 title, now flipped against them. Barnes’ moment underscored the Spurs’ execution and Golden State’s failure to close out the game.
This narrative adds depth to the loss. Barnes’ history with the Warriors made his game-winner a personal triumph, while for Golden State, it was a stark lesson in finishing games against familiar foes.
Curry’s centrality exposes Warriors’ reliance
The Warriors’ performance swings with Steph Curry’s presence are stark. Against the Spurs, they were +13 in his 37 minutes and -16 in the 11-plus minutes he sat. This gap highlights his indispensable role in Steve Kerr’s system. His 30 points, eight rebounds, and three assists kept Golden State competitive, but it also showed how much the team leans on him—a dependency that’s both a strength and a vulnerability.
When Curry rested, the Spurs pounced, using quick plays and mid-range shots to build their lead. Jimmy Butler III picked up some slack, but the lack of another reliable playmaker was evident. Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, expected to ease the burden, struggled with low shooting percentages and defensive miscues. At 37, Curry remains elite, but the Warriors need more from the roster to sustain success over a full game.
Adjustments are possible, but this game underscores a recurring issue: Golden State thrives with Curry but falters without him. Balancing this dynamic will be key as the season unfolds.
Critical moments seal Warriors’ fate
Breaking down the final stretch against the Spurs reveals where Golden State unraveled. With the score tight, the defense failed to stop Harrison Barnes’ open look at the buzzer. Draymond Green, despite leading in rebounds and assists, wasn’t positioned to contest the shot, and the team’s communication broke down. The Spurs’ simple yet effective play caught the Warriors off guard, ending the game on a sour note.
Earlier in the fourth, Jimmy Butler III kept hope alive with free throws and a three-pointer, while Curry’s late triple tied the score. But the ensuing possession saw defensive lapses that left Barnes free. Buddy Hield and Moses Moody’s earlier misses also hurt, giving San Antonio chances to claw back. These missteps in clutch time defined the Warriors’ downfall.
- Defining moments from the Spurs game:
- Harrison Barnes: Game-winning three at the buzzer.
- Steph Curry: +13 in 37 minutes, -16 in 11 minutes off.
- Jimmy Butler III: 16-of-17 free throws.
Team response after the setback
The Spurs loss lingered in the Warriors’ locker room. Steve Kerr, known for his measured approach, must address the frustration of a team aware of this game’s weight. Draymond Green, with a solid stat line, needs to bolster his defensive consistency to prevent repeats of Barnes’ heroics. His leadership will be crucial moving forward.
Jimmy Butler III’s brilliance can’t stand alone in Curry’s absence. His efficiency is a weapon, but the Warriors need broader offensive options. Young players like Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski must improve, particularly defensively, where they left gaps against the Spurs’ guards. The next game offers a chance to regroup, but Golden State knows consistency is non-negotiable in the Western Conference race.
