Jimmy Butler Blasts Warriors' Defense After Blazers Loss

Jimmy Butler’s blunt verdict after a 127-123 loss to Portland — “we’re not guarding nobody” — captured a worrying truth: Golden State’s defense has become erratic. Friday was the ninth time in 18 games the Warriors allowed 120+ points (they allowed 16 all of last season). With Jrue Holiday sidelined, Portland’s size and scorers (Donovan Clingan 22/10, Caleb Love 26 on 6-of-14 threes, Deni Avdija 26/13) exposed gaps. The team still sits 10th in defensive rating but ranks just 23rd offensively, so defensive lapses carry extra weight. Merlin sees a fragile balance. This roster leans on Butler and Curry to hold the fort; when rotation size and disciplined effort vanish, opponents feast. If Golden State wants postseason hope, habit — not flashes — must return on that end.