When the Warriors won back-to-back games in San Antonio in mid-November, it felt like the catalyst for a turning point.
They were in the midst of a 2-5 road stretch with Stephen Curry tending to an illness. The consecutive wins against the Spurs came as somewhat of a surprise, given that not only were both road games for the Warriors, but San Antonio was one of the West’s top teams.
What was concerning, though, was that Golden State needed every ounce of Curry’s 46 and 49-point heroics.
Same Old Problems
Ahead of their Monday game versus the Utah Jazz, the Warriors ranked 23rd in offense and 27th in turnovers per game. Golden State has regressed since their success following the Jimmy Butler trade last season. Much of what made that version so successful last year is now undermined by insufficient bench production.
The most glaring deficiency is the Warriors’ lack of a point-of-attack (POA) defender, inhibiting the team’s ability to stay in front of players. Jonathan Kuminga, who is nursing a knee injury, was considered the primary player for this role. While Moses Moody has shown himself to be a lengthy, strong defender, he is better suited as a supplementary defensive piece.
Without Kuminga, the Warriors have no support from their youth. Buddy Hield’s minutes and points took a hit after a highly disappointing start to the season. Poor play from the supporting cast, along with injuries, has prevented any consistent lineup rollouts.
The same issues that plagued them before Jimmy Butler’s arrival have resurfaced. If the Warriors are to be genuine contenders, they will need a significant turnaround in their season. Hovering over .500 while maintaining most of their lineup intact to begin the year isn’t the formula for earning a guaranteed playoff spot.
With injuries to Kuminga, Draymond Green, and Al Horford, the Warriors are even more depleted in the size and defense department. Kerr’s unwavering urge to run three-to-four-guard lineups hasn’t helped the team either.
In their matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers, the team struggled mightily to keep up with the drivers. Trailblazers rookie Caleb Love, who is on a two-way contract, torched the Warriors for his career high. He repeatedly forced his way to the rim and made the Warriors pay for defensive miscommunications throughout the night.
The Vets Need Help
The Warriors’ veterans in Curry, Green, and Jimmy Butler have held up their end of the bargain for most of the season.
For the team to go the distance, someone needs to step up, or a trade must be made to bring in help. Kuminga’s contract and his fit with the team make him the focal point of any potential trade deal.
Despite reports that Green and Butler took shots at the 23-year-old, he seems to have the stars’ support. Regardless of whether or not Kuminga stays with the team, the Warriors still need to make a move.
Kerr previously attributed the Warriors’ struggles to the team’s offensive execution; Jimmy Butler believes the main problem is defense.
Both Kerr and Butler are correct, though. The disconnect suggests the team may not be on the same page.
Though their defense is near average in the NBA, there is a drastic falloff when the Warriors’ defensive anchor, Green, sits. Similarly, Golden State’s offense continues to falter when Curry is on the bench.
Making Championship Moves
Every championship contender has two key ingredients: high chemistry and help from supporting players. This losing patch will test the team’s chemistry and mental fortitude to stick together.
But if the signs familiar to Warriors’ fans continue to reappear, the team must make a change.
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