Shocking Decision: Golden State Warriors President Drops Bombshell – Three Players Benched After Embarrassing Loss to Thunder

Dub Nation in Uproar: Who Are the Three Warriors Stars Axed from the Lineup? Fans Call It “Pathetic” Move

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA community, the President of the Golden State Warriors has reportedly ordered the removal of three underperforming players from the team’s lineup following their humiliating 131-94 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 2, 2026.

The scathing statement from the front office, quoting, “I don’t want to see them on the court in tonight’s game, it’s truly pathetic…,” has ignited fierce debate and outrage among fans, who are demanding answers about the identities of the benched players.

The Warriors’ devastating defeat at Chase Center marked one of the lowest points in the franchise’s recent history, with the short-handed team shooting a dismal 35.6% from the field and trailing by as many as 37 points against the reigning champions.

While injuries and rest played a role in the lineup, the post-game decision to sideline specific players has shifted the narrative from on-court struggles to internal turmoil.

The Game That Broke the Camel’s Back: Warriors vs. Thunder Recap

The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominant 30 points and seven assists, dismantled the Warriors from the opening tip. Chet Holmgren added a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds, showcasing why OKC entered 2026 as the Western Conference powerhouse with a 30-5 record.

Golden State, already missing key stars like Stephen Curry (ankle tweak), Jimmy Butler (illness), and Draymond Green (rest), struggled mightily. The team managed only 94 points – their season low – and was outrebounded and outhustled in every quarter.

A brief second-quarter push brought the Warriors within two points (38-36), but the Thunder responded with a crushing 19-0 run to seize control.

Rookies and bench players like Will Richard (13 points), Moses Moody (13 points), and Al Horford (13 points) tried to fill the void, but it wasn’t enough against OKC’s depth and defensive pressure.

The blowout exposed glaring weaknesses in the Warriors’ rotation, particularly from several veterans and role players who delivered abysmal performances.

Revealed: The Three Players Benched for Poor Play Against Thunder

Sources close to the Warriors organization have leaked the names of the three players deemed responsible for the team’s lackluster effort and ordered off the court for the upcoming game. These individuals posted the worst statistical outings in the loss, contributing negatively to the team’s already fragile performance:

Brandin Podziemski – The young guard, often relied upon for energy and playmaking, had a nightmare game. He finished with just 12 points on inefficient 4-of-13 shooting (1-of-4 from three), adding four rebounds and four assists but turning the ball over multiple times in crucial moments.

His minus rating was among the worst on the team, and he was benched for the entire fourth quarter as the deficit ballooned. Moses Moody – Despite scoring 13 points, Moody’s overall impact was negligible.

He shot poorly in key stretches, going 0-for-5 in the second half after a decent start, and struggled defensively against OKC’s wings. Fans pointed out his lack of aggression and poor decision-making, with several missed open looks that could have kept the game closer early on.

Quinten Post – The rookie center, thrust into a starting role due to absences, was overwhelmed by Holmgren and the Thunder’s frontcourt. Post managed minimal production, with low scoring, poor rebounding, and defensive lapses that led to easy OKC buckets.

His inexperience showed in a game where the Warriors desperately needed size and presence in the paint.

These three players combined for subpar efficiency, high turnovers, and defensive breakdowns that fueled the Thunder’s runaway runs. The President’s frustration boiled over in the post-game remarks, labeling their performances as “truly pathetic” and vowing not to feature them in the next matchup.

The announcement has sparked massive backlash from Dub Nation. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, fans expressed disbelief and anger:

“Podziemski and Moody are our future – benching them after one bad game in a blowout? Pathetic decision from management!” “Quinten Post is a rookie playing out of position because of injuries.

This is scapegoating!” “Warriors front office throwing players under the bus instead of addressing real issues like injuries and depth.”

Hashtags like #FreePodz, #SaveMoody, and #WarriorsDrama trended overnight, with thousands of posts criticizing the harsh public statement. Some fans defended the move, arguing accountability is needed for a team hovering around .500 (now 18-17).

Long-time Warriors supporters recall similar tough-love moments in the dynasty era, but many feel this crosses the line, especially with the team already dealing with injuries to stars like Curry, Butler, Green, and others.

The Golden State Warriors are at a crossroads in the 2025-2026 season. After a promising start to the dynasty’s next chapter with acquisitions like Jimmy Butler, inconsistencies and injuries have derailed momentum. This internal shake-up could either motivate the roster or deepen divisions.

Head coach Steve Kerr, who called the loss a “one-off” due to the short-handed lineup, now faces the challenge of integrating (or excluding) these players moving forward. The next game against a weaker opponent offers a chance to rebound, but eyes will be on whether the benched trio sees minutes.

The President’s bold stance underscores the high expectations in the Bay Area. With the trade deadline approaching, rumors swirl about potential moves to bolster the roster. Could this be a wake-up call, or the start of bigger changes?

The Warriors have a history of making controversial lineup choices. During the championship runs, Steve Kerr wasn’t afraid to bench stars or adjust rotations drastically. However, public statements like this from the front office are rare, echoing past tensions but amplified in today’s social media era.

Compared to the Thunder’s seamless dominance – built on youth, depth, and coaching – the Warriors’ struggles highlight the challenges of transitioning from the Curry-Green era while integrating new pieces.

This dramatic decision has undoubtedly made the Golden State Warriors the talk of the NBA. While the intent may be to instill accountability after a “pathetic” display against the Thunder, the fallout risks alienating young talent and fans alike.

As the team prepares for their next game, all eyes are on how Podziemski, Moody, and Post respond – if given the chance. In a league where superstars dominate headlines, this under-the-radar drama could define the Warriors’ 2026 push.