The Stephen Curry-less road trip can’t end soon enough for the Golden State Warriors.
The Dubs (48-27) lost another game to a below .500 team on Sunday evening, falling 123-115 to the Wizards (32-42) in Washington. Golden State is now 1-3 on the trip and has also lost games to the lowly Spurs, Magic and Hawks in the last eight days.
Monday’s back end of a back-to-back against the Grizzlies could prove to be another disappointment, considering the Warriors are expected to rest their veterans. After that it will be two home games vs. Western Conference playoff teams in the Suns and Jazz. Assuming Curry does not make a miraculous recovery from his foot issue, this spiral could get worse.
Sunday’s loss was fairly brutal from start to finish, seeing the the Warriors get outplayed by a Bradley Beal-less Wizards team from beginning to end. Golden State almost never led. Here are three takeaways:
Draymond tries to wake up Warriors’ defense
Put simply, the Warriors defense did not show up in Washington.
The first half was particularly atrocious. Against the fifth-worst 3-point shooting team in the league, Golden State was consistently late on rotations, giving up 10 3-point makes to the Wizards, most of which were uncontested. It’s the primary reason Golden State found themselves down eight points at halftime.
The Warriors had serious defensive issues during Draymond Green’s extended absence, but it’s far more concerning to see the same type of problems for long stretches with him back in the lineup.
To his credit, Green tried to turn the tide early in the third quarter though unconventional means. Green was called for what he thought was a soft foul on serial embellisher Kristaps Porzingis. Green chose to protest by fouling Porzingis again, this time by blatantly shoving him when the ball was inbounded. Green was issued a Flagrant 1.
When the Wizards inbounded the ball again, Green fouled Porzingis on a shot near the basket, resulting in an and-1 opportunity. When all was said and done, Green had fouled Porzingis three times and had allowed four Porzingis points on a single possession.
Though it might have appeared to be a total lack of composure, perhaps there was some method to Draymond’s madness. The stretch after the fouls led to an increased intensity from the Warriors on both ends, leading to a +7 run. This was capped by an excellent defensive effort on Porzingis that led to a transition layup.
Ultimately it was unsustainable for the Warriors, who could not stop blowing assignments despite upping their effort. The corner 3 in particular was a thorn in Golden State’s side, and was a non-starter on a night that Washington also happened to be red hot (16-of-28, 57.1% from 3-point range).
Look at the play below, where Green completely leaves Deni Avdija in the corner and Klay Thompson never rotates over.
The Wizards deserve credit for making their shots on Sunday night, but it’s easier to make them when you’re wide open.
Warriors offensive attack lacking balance
Sometimes the most obvious solution is the correct one. Based on that principle, the Warriors might want to consider shooting less 3-pointers on nights where they are ice cold.
Against one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA, Golden State’s lack of 3-point shooting completely tanked the offense in the first half. Despite getting fouled consistently when driving to the hole vs. a team without a rim-protector, Golden State fired up nearly half of all their attempts from beyond the 3-point line in the game’s first 24 minutes, making only four of them. When all was said and done, the Warriors went 8-of-33 from deep, good for 24%.
There will be night’s when the shots aren’t falling, that’s just a reality in the NBA. On those nights, however, there is no excuse to fire up contested 3s against defenses with poor paint defense. Poole — one of the best drivers to the basket on the team — was particularly brutal from deep, going 1-of-10.
It’s unclear if Poole’s off shooting night had something to do with a knock he picked up during the first quarter.
This happened on a night that the Warriors went 31-of-39 from the free throw line. The Wizards simply could not stop the Warriors at the basket. Golden State did not take advantage of this and bailed Washington out.
Iguodala’s return imminent
Steve Kerr gave a one-word response when asked if we’ll see Andre Iguodala on Monday.
“Hopeful.”
Sunday was another example of how much the Warriors could use the defensive ability and offensive savvy of the veteran wing who has missed the last 21 games, and 30 of the last 32.
Iguodala’s return will help with a number of issues. Firstly he can assist as an offensive initiator with the lack of point guard depth in Curry’s absence. Aside from Jordan Poole, the Warriors have turned to Draymond Green and Gary Payton II to run point. Igoudala will immediately slot in as the quarterback of the second unit.
Andre will also give the Warriors more length and size on the defensive end when they elect to go with Draymond Green at the five. With the news that James Wiseman will not return, Kevon Looney is the only truish center on the roster, meaning that size at the wing and front court positions becomes even more important.
Lastly, Iguodala can serve as another 3-point shooter. Though he has struggled mightily the season going 23% from deep, Iguodala has always played his best when it matters. He is a 35% 3-point shooter in 170 career postseason games.
If they get that Andre back for the stretch run, it will be a huge addition on both ends.
