Since starting the season with a 41-13 record, the Warriors lost 12 of their next 18 games, prompting Draymond Green to call out the team after Tuesday’s loss in Orlando for “playing stupid” and “getting punked,” as Kendra Andrews of ESPN writes.
The Warriors immediately responded to that criticism in impressive fashion on Wednesday night in Miami, beating the Heat by 14 points without Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, or Green active. According to Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic, Wednesday’s victory made it clear that Golden State has enough pieces on its roster to make a legitimate run at this year’s title.
How far the Warriors go will ultimately be determined by how much they get from their stars, but if Curry, Thompson, Green, and Andrew Wiggins are healthy and playing well, a supporting cast made up of players like Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney, Otto Porter, Jonathan Kuminga, and Gary Payton II is good enough to make the team “incredibly tough to beat,” writes Thompson.
Here’s more from around the Pacific:
- The Lakers, who are currently tied with the Pelicans in the Western Conference standings, view Sunday’s game in New Orleans as a “must-win,” according to Russell Westbrook. Dave McMenamin of ESPN has the story and the quotes.
- Elfrid Payton‘s 10.9 minutes per game this season are easily a career low, falling far short of the 28.5 MPG he had averaged in his previous seven seasons. However, he has been willing to embrace a reduced role for the NBA-best Suns, per Dana Scott of The Arizona Republic. “I’m just trying to do my job and stay ready, try to keep this thing going in the right direction,” said Payton, who likely won’t see much action going forward with Chris Paul back in the lineup.
- Clippers rookie guard Jason Preston has yet to make his NBA debut after undergoing foot surgery in October, but he has impressed veteran teammate Reggie Jackson with his understanding of the game. “Selfishly for me, it’s like having another coach,” Jackson said of Preston’s presence on road trips (Twitter link via Mirjam Swanson of The Southern California News Group). “Smart kid.”
So glad that Eldrid Payton, who should feel lucky to still be in the NBA, is embracing his reduced role on an actual good team.
Warriors have out of sync since all the injuries have hit them hard. Many questionable rotations by Kerr this season. Playing his 2 way player way too much who shouldn’t be in the NBA. Not sure what happened to Kerr but he has not been the same coach this year. Playing his favorites above other better players.
Just being the coach of the warriors makes him seem like a better coach than he actually is. Not saying hes a terrible coach, but even Luke Walton looked like a genius when he had the reins a few years ago
He has not impressed me this year. When he is playing a 2 way player who can’t play defense and no offense skills it gets hard to watch. Seems like he is playing players he likes over players who are better.
Always love to hear how people in the internet aren’t impressed by Steve Kerr lol. What a nobody!
What in the world games are you watching? Who are the “better players”? Who’s the “2 way” you referred to? Chiozza? Do you realize that winning that game Wednesday had the NBA talking about who was out, and that they beat the top Eastern team by 14, and that Kerr is an excellent coach? You’re always talking about rotations. Do you have a clue about rotations? Do you think that Kerr and the several assistants are idiots? Sorry guy but I had to speak to your constant blabbing. I’ve always ignored you but you’ve exceeded your cluelessness with this last post.
Both times Chiozza was in he was the weak link on the team finished with -7 while in the line up. The previous game he left Poole in too long playing the entire 4th quarter after playing a lot in the third. Poole legs were tired the last few minutes. Of course you think Kerr should NEVER be bashed for poor rotations. At the GSW page everyone questions many missteps by Kerr. I expect more out of this team instead of 6-12 in the last 18 games. Just like most GSW fans saying they need another big man in the middle. If they face Nuggets in the playoffs that will be exposed big time.
6-12 without Green, Curry and Thompson at different times. They’ll be fine if they can’t get those three going during the playoffs. As far as playing any guy on the roster is concerned Chiozza or otherwise they’re pretty much locked into the playoffs so wins and losses don’t matter as much now compared to seeing what you have for situations that come up in the playoffs.
Golden State isn’t as dominant as years in the past but they’re still one of 6 teams that have a legit shot at winning it all this year.
I hope you are correct but it will be tough if Looney or Green goes down in the playoffs. They are undersized compared to most teams.
lol… they win a game and everyone wants them to be back. But then they lose to the Hawks, by blowing a double digit lead too.
Quit trying to make the Warriors happen this year.
They are done.
First round exit if they face Dallas or Denver.