The Golden State Warriors have hit a rough patch this week, with two consecutive losses where they blew leads of 20-plus points. Their collapse against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday was particularly frustrating, as they were desperately trying to secure a win that would have allowed them to advance in the playoff tournament. However, their frantic play resulted in a rare double loss.
Following their defeat to the Kings, the Warriors managed to rebound with a win against the Los Angeles Clippers at home. But their struggles continued in their next game, as they saw a massive halftime lead of 19 points dwindle to just seven by the end of the third quarter. Despite still leading by five with just over a minute left in regulation, they were unable to hold on as the Clippers made a late surge and eventually secured a two-point victory.
These recent losses have raised concerns about the Warriors’ ability to compete at the highest level. The team’s record now stands at 9-11, and it’s starting to feel like an emergency for the Big Three era. The once-dominant Warriors, who were known for their third-quarter comebacks and fourth-quarter dominance, now seem to be struggling to maintain their position as contenders in the league.
In their prime, the Warriors were the best third-quarter team in the NBA. They had a knack for turning up the intensity after halftime and overpowering their opponents. However, this season, their net rating in the third quarter ranks just 12th, which is an average performance at best. They have lost the ability to demoralize their opponents and no longer possess the same dominance they once had.
Their fourth-quarter performance has also been lackluster this season. They now find themselves in the bottom fourth of teams in terms of scoring margin in the final quarter. The team’s volatility and tendency to collapse in crucial moments have become all too familiar, and it’s clear that something needs to change.
One potential factor contributing to their struggles is the aging of their core players. The team’s stars, such as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, are no longer in their prime, and their performance in the fourth quarter may be affected by their age. However, this doesn’t fully explain their lack of energy and lazy execution in recent games.
It’s clear that the Warriors need an infusion of youth and fresh talent to revitalize their team. Without it, their slow decline may continue, and their chances of reclaiming their former glory will diminish. The Warriors’ recent performances have been exhilarating to watch, but they have also raised concerns about the team’s long-term prospects.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Warriors respond to these challenges. Will they be able to find a solution to their fourth-quarter woes and regain their dominance? Or will their struggles continue, signaling the end of an era for the Golden State Warriors? Only time will tell.
