NBA: Are Stephen Curry and the Warriors in trouble?
The Golden State Warriors are 2-1 heading into tonight's game against the Portland Trailblazers as they look to extend their winning streak to three games. Yes, the Warriors have won majority of their games, but they haven't looked too great so far. It may be early into the season, but the Warriors are in a little bit of trouble. Nothing too major, but a few concerning things. This is not about Kevin Durant and whether or not they will be able to find a groove offensively. With time that will resolve itself and we will see an explosive offensive team. But there's more to a championship contender than offense. Here's two reasons why the Warriors are in a bit of trouble.
Warriors Defense
Warriors defense seems to diminish with each passing year. Remember how lethal that defense was back in the 2015 playoffs? Last year, they took a step back and this year it's been non-existent so far. Stephen Curry and the Warriors haven't played great defense as teams have virtually had a layup line. Tim Frasier and Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans torched the Warriors on Saturday and gave them a shot to win the game. Davis is one thing, but the Warriors couldn't even contain Frasier. The Warriors biggest threat are the Spurs and the Cavaliers and if Frasier is going off, just imagine Tony Parker and especially Kyrie Irving. Warriors need to play better defense, especially when their shot is not falling.
Rebounds
Have you ever seen a game where a team gets so many second chance points? That's how it was on the first game of the season when the Golden State Warriors let the San Antonio Spurs get 21 offensive rebounds. 21 extra possessions? That's horrible. They were out-rebounded 55-35. Add that with my first point about the defense and you can see why they lost to the Spurs by 29. They rebounded well against the Pelicans, but you cannot expect Durant to get 17 boards every game. Warriors need to crash the boards.
The Warriors, as presently constructed, will have a difficult time beating the Cavs or the Spurs. They can still beat them because they are lethal offensively, but they need to address their problems. It's still early in the season, but the Warriors are going to have to pick up a few big men that can crash the boards and protect the paint. Otherwise, Lebron and the Cavs are going to have a field day.
What are your thoughts? Are the Warriors in trouble? Comment below. Thanks for reading!
