In San Francisco, the Warriors regrouped after their season-opening loss to the Phoenix Suns. They spent the day reviewing the game through video and then had a light practice session.
The loss was attributed to poor shooting, foul trouble for Stephen Curry and Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins’ lack of impact, and weak defensive fundamentals.
Coach Steve Kerr emphasized the importance of analyzing what went wrong. They reviewed the film and showed multiple clips to the players. They recognized instances where better spacing was needed, but also acknowledged that they simply missed shots.
In the first half alone, the Warriors missed 13 shots at the rim and five more within 10 feet. If this continues, they will need to start preparing for an early offseason.
Dario Sarić, who had a 3-of-11 shooting night, including four missed layups and two more within seven feet, acknowledged his own mistakes and expressed the need for improvement.
Aside from poor shooting, the Warriors also committed sloppy fouls and neglected rebounding fundamentals, particularly in the fourth quarter where they lost their lead. Kerr pointed out that these two areas significantly impacted the outcome of the game.
Phoenix’s strong finish in the fourth quarter was largely due to their rebounding advantage. They secured six offensive rebounds that led to 10 points, ultimately securing their victory over the Warriors.
Rebounding has been an ongoing challenge for the Warriors, as they are a relatively small team with inconsistency in their rebounding mentality. On nights when they lack determination, they will struggle against larger opponents.
However, there was a positive aspect to take away from the game. When the Warriors effectively move the ball and demonstrate their off-ball skills, they can overcome their size disadvantage.
Sarić pointed out the importance of swinging the ball from one side to the other, especially against bigger teams. This creates difficulties for opponents on defense.
Despite this being a core element of Kerr’s system, the Warriors struggled to consistently execute it in their opener. The belief is that they will improve in this aspect throughout the season.
The Warriors have already recognized their shortcomings through video analysis. It is clear that they are not yet the team they aspire to be. However, with the return of Draymond Green and a close four-point loss in their first game, they may not be too far off.
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Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.