Jimmy Butler calls out himself and Jonathan Cummings mid-slip
Golden State The Warriors’ promising 5-1 start seems like a distant memory. After a 126-102 loss at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Warriors are now 6-6. Their fifth defeat in the young season and a reflection of a team that is looking for rhythm, focus and identity.
After losing, veteran forward Jimmy Butler didn’t mince words. Butler, who has been vocal about responsibility since arriving in Golden State, issued a stern challenge not only to his teammates, but to himself and Jonathan Cummingawhose role and performance were on center of recent discussion.
Jimmy Butler says players should make sacrifices for the greater good of the team and show more fight.
“Everyone has to be honest with themselves.”
— De🅿ressed Warriors Fan 💔 (@GoIdenState) November 12, 2025
“I can’t have change,” Butler said. “JK can’t have losses. … We’re the ones who have to cut losses.”
Turnovers have been a glaring weakness for the Warriors, who have committed them in droves during their four-game skid. Kuminga in particular struggled to maintain control under defensive pressure. He had five turnovers in just 24 minutes against Oklahoma City, his fourth game in the last seven with at least four turnovers.
The timing of Kuminga’s struggles could not be more delicate. After an offseason clouded by contract uncertainty and discussions about his role, the 23-year-old responded by leading the team in total minutes played this season (348).
Coach Steve Kerr even called him an “entrenched starter” during Golden State’s hot start, praising his defensive activity, rebounding and improved passing. But as the Warriors’ offense stagnated, Kuminga’s decision-making and ball control regressed.
Stephen Curry’s return against the Thunder offered some relief. The two-time MVP admitted afterwards that his rhythm and fitness were bad. He finished with just 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting and picked up five fouls, including the first flagrant foul of his 17-year career.
For Butler, the message is clear: Warriors leaders need to set the tone. Golden State has looked disjointed on both ends, and with their veteran core struggling to find their footing, accountability from within may be the only way to stabilize the season.
As Butler said, “We have the pieces. But until we take care of the ball and take charge, none of that matters.”
2025-11-12 16:40:00
