After November 16th’s loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Golden State Warriors fell to 6-9 on the season. The Warriors wasted a 50-point game from point guard Stephen Curry, who is having a fantastic season. It was still early in the season and the defending champs still have time to get it together, but they must start to play better soon.
One of the main problems for the Warriors this season is their defense; last year, Golden State had one of the best defensive ratings at one point. After 15 games, the Warriors have given up 117.2 points per game. They are ranked 19th in defensive efficiency; the Warriors will have to play more cohesively in the future.
Shooting guard Klay Thompson has come back from significant injury and is now back healthy, but he is shaking off the rust. So far this season, Thompson is averaging 15.1 per game while shooting 35% from the field and 33% from the three-point line. However, Thompson has struggled to find his shot over the last ten games.
On defense, Thompson looks a step slower, but that's understandable with his injury history. As the season goes on, Thompson will find his shot; he is one of the best shooters in NBA history. The Warriors will need Thompson to find his shot for the Warriors to succeed.
Coming into the season, the Warriors were banking on their young players to make critical contributions, but that has yet to be the case. Jordan Poole is averaging 16.1 points per game but has been consistent at times. However, the younger players like Johnathan Kuminga, James Wiseman, and Moses Moody have yet to play like the Warriors expected them to.
Kuminga averaging 5.2 points and Moody is averaging 6.1 points per game. Wiseman has been a surprise, averaging 6.8 points per game but was recently sent down to the G-League. Still it’s early in the season and these three players are talented, but it must transfer over to the court.
Right before the season started there was the Draymond Green and Poole incident, where Green punched Poole in the face. Many wonders if this situation has contributed to the slow start. It could have, but an 2-10 road record plays a factor too.
Curry averages 31.4 points per game while shooting 52% and 44% from beyond the arc; he is playing some of the best basketball he has ever played. Andrew Wiggins is playing solid averaging 18 points per game; Draymond Green is averaging his famous triple-single. Green is playing good defense, as usual, but he must give the Warriors a little more on offense.
There is no need to panic; this Warriors team knows what it takes to win. They must improve on defense and get Thompson to knock down shots. It is still a long season, and they have time to turn it around; if not, a trade could be on the horizon. It will be interesting to see how the Warriors try to right their ship throughout the season.
Written by: LaMarr Fields (@raiderway83)
Edited by: Josh Bhagratie (@jshyb_)