Golden State Warriors
A Bay Area franchise that clinched a play-in spot for the third straight year in 2025–26, but fell to the Suns in the second round.
The Golden State Warriors are a historic Pacific Division rival of the Phoenix Suns, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 2025–26 season was the franchise's 80th in the NBA, their 64th in the Bay Area, and their seventh at the Chase Center. Despite a 4-1 start, the Warriors struggled throughout the season. Star player Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending ACL injury on January 19, 2026 against the Miami Heat. With a loss to the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks on March 15, they failed to improve on their 48–34 record from the previous season. Following a loss to the Houston Rockets on April 5, they suffered their first losing season since 2020, and their first in a full season since 2011. On March 29, the Warriors clinched a play-in spot for the third straight year, finishing 10th in the West. They eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers in the first stage of the play-in tournament with a comeback win, but were soundly beaten by the Phoenix Suns in the second round, eliminating them from playoff contention for the second time in three seasons and the fourth time since 2020.
Quick Facts
- Conference
- Western
- Division
- Pacific
- Founded
- 1946
- History
- Philadelphia Warriors; 1946–1962; San Francisco Warriors; 1962–1971; Golden State Warriors; 1971–present
- Arena
- Chase Center
- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Sponsor
- Rakuten
- President
- Brandon Schneider
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Warriors' 2025–26 season was defined by injury and decline. After a promising 4-1 start, Jimmy Butler's season-ending ACL injury on January 19, 2026 against the Miami Heat derailed their campaign. The team failed to improve on their 48–34 record from the previous season, confirmed by a March 15 loss to the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks. Their losing season was sealed with an April 5 loss to the Houston Rockets, marking their first losing season since 2020 and first in a full season since 2011. Despite these struggles, they clinched a play-in spot on March 29 for the third straight year, finishing 10th in the West. In the play-in tournament, they staged a comeback win to eliminate the Los Angeles Clippers in the first stage, but were then soundly beaten by the Phoenix Suns in the second round, ending their playoff hopes. This marked the second time in three seasons and the fourth time since 2020 that the Warriors were eliminated from playoff contention.
Reader's Guide
The Warriors entered the 2025–26 NBA draft holding only one selection, the 41st overall pick in the second round. This pick originally belonged to the Miami Heat and was conveyed to the Warriors when it fell outside its top-37 protection as part of a December 2024 trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The Warriors had previously traded their original first and second-round selections to Miami (as part of the Jimmy Butler deal in February 2025) and Brooklyn (which ended up with the Memphis Grizzlies on draft night), respectively. During the second round, Golden State traded the draft rights to the 41st pick (Koby Brea) to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for the rights to the 52nd (Alex Toohey) and 59th (Jahmai Mashack) selections. In a subsequent transaction, the Warriors acquired the rights to the 56th pick (Will Richard) from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the rights to the 59th pick (Jahmai Mashack), the rights to Justinian Jessup (51st pick in 2020), and a protected 2032 second-round pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is their signature style of play?
This franchise is famous for revolutionizing modern basketball through an emphasis on speed and high-volume three-point shooting during their recent championship runs. Their offensive system relies heavily on constant ball movement to create open looks from long range.
Where do they currently play their home games?
Since 2019, the team has called the Chase Center in San Francisco their home arena after previously playing at Oracle Arena for many years. This state-of-the-art facility serves as a central hub for their operations and fan experience in the Bay Area.
How many championships have they won?
Throughout their long history dating back to 1946, the Warriors have secured seven total NBA championships across different eras of competition. These titles cement their status as one of the most successful franchises in league history alongside other dynasties.
Why are they considered rivals to the Suns?
As fellow members of the Pacific Division, the Warriors frequently face the Suns in regular-season games and high-stakes playoff matchups throughout the Western Conference. Their intense competition often defines the competitive landscape for both teams during championship pursuits.
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