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The Golden State Warriors fell flat against the Los Angeles Clippers in a 119-104 loss on Monday night. Stephen Curry powered the offense in this one, but it wasn’t enough to make up for the team’s subpar performance on defense. Here’s some takeaways from the Warriors’ postgame pressers.
Steve Kerr talks about the team’s defensive struggles
The main talking point during the Warriors’ postgame was defense. Golden State has a reputation as one of the best defensive teams in the league this season, however they didn’t show it on Monday as the Clippers dictated control on that side of the floor. In their last 4 games, the Warriors rank 25th in defensive rating resulting in a 1-3 record during that span.
Here’s what head coach Steve Kerr had to say about his team:
Steve Kerr: “Our defense is (air quotes) #1 in the league. But it’s not right now.” pic.twitter.com/LsaAaJMvF7
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 15, 2022
Steve Kerr: “Tonight really didn’t feel like it had anything to do with size. They just went right around us.”
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) February 15, 2022
Warriors’ players on the team’s defensive performance
Some of Golden State’s defensive issues can be attributed to the injuries and fatigue of their roster. The back injury to Draymond Green has been huge as he was responsible for cleaning up his teammates’ mistakes on the defensive side of the floor. His IQ and ability to identify the need for help, provide that help, and recover back into position wherever he is needed has been irreplaceable.
Because of Green’s absence and the team’s lack of depth in the front court, the Warriors have resorted to playing more small ball. The physical toll of small ball is beginning to show as the Warriors looked fatigue — a stark difference from the usual high-energy, stingy defense that fans are accustomed to seeing from them.
Here’s All-Stars Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins discussing the team’s defense:
Steph talks through the Dubs’ defensive struggles tonight pic.twitter.com/Nhd8t6Esty
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 15, 2022
Andrew Wiggins on the Dubs struggles defensively:
— Mark Haynes (@markhaynesnba) February 15, 2022
"I think we're letting guys get too comfortable. I feel like we stopped being the aggressor. It's important. You want to keep guys on their toes...Once they get comfortable, it's the NBA anyone can score the ball and get going.'
Quote of the Night
The quote of the night belongs to Clippers head coach Ty Lue who praised Curry’s offensive ability. Despite having the Clipper’s full defensive attention, Curry was still able to score 33 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the three-point line.
This led Ty Lue to say Curry is ‘the most dangerous player in the league’:
"He's so dangerous, probably the most dangerous player in the league the way he can get hot... In 2017 and 2018m we blitzed him with Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson on the floor. That's how dangerous I think he is."
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 15, 2022
Ty Lue on Warriors' Stephen Curry. #Clippers pic.twitter.com/KKl46FAKzC
Recap
Monday’s loss marks the first time the Warriors were defeated by an LA team this season. They are now five games behind the Phoenix Suns for the top spot in the West and only two games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies for the 2nd seed. They will now head back home to play the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday for their final game before the All-Star Break.
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