Charlie Walter, the host of the daily Locked On Warriors podcast, with your daily Locked On Warriors newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Warriors and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Missed Free Throws, Turnovers Doom Golden State Warriors In 2nd Loss To Los Angeles Clippers
Nov 18, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts at the end of the game against the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images|Kirby Lee/Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Warriors Fans, It’s Charlie Walter here and we got into some spirited debates on our latest episode of Locked On Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors’ recent 102-99 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers was a tough pill to swallow. As a fan, it’s hard not to feel the sting of a game that seemed within reach, only to slip away due to a combination of missed opportunities and giveaways.
Free Throw Woes and Turnover Troubles
One of the glaring issues in this matchup was the Warriors’ performance at the free-throw line. Shooting under 50% is simply unacceptable at any level, let alone in the NBA. If the team had managed to convert just a few more of those attempts, the outcome could have been different. Turnovers were another thorn in the Warriors’ side, with Draymond Green’s six standing out. While turnovers are part of the game, they become particularly costly when paired with subpar shooting.
The Kuminga Conundrum
Jonathan Kuminga’s limited playtime was another point of contention. Despite being one of the more effective players on the court, Kuminga saw only 19 minutes of action. His ability to contribute offensively was evident, yet he was underutilized. The decision to play others over Kuminga, such as Trace Jackson Davis, who struggled defensively, raises questions about the strategic choices being made. Kuminga’s potential as a second scoring option or a valuable trade asset is undeniable, and maximizing his minutes could be crucial for the Warriors’ success.
Norman Powell’s Impact
On the other side, Norman Powell’s performance for the Clippers was a game-changer. Every time the Warriors seemed to gain momentum, Powell was there to hit a crucial shot, finishing with 23 points and an impressive 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Sometimes, you have to acknowledge the opponent’s skill, and Powell’s shooting was a key factor in the Clippers’ victory.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Warriors Podcast:
- The impact of Andrew Wiggins’ defensive efforts against James Harden.
- Analysis of Steve Kerr’s coaching decisions and their effects on the game.
- A look at the Warriors’ third-quarter performances and their significance.
- Discussion on the Warriors’ upcoming games and what to expect.
- Fan reactions and comments on the Warriors’ current season trajectory.
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The Sixers are no longer just bad, they’re cornered
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center|Photo by Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Look, I held off as long as I could, told myself it was only an awkward start. I looked to silver linings, to the tendency that things going wrong for this long tend to right themselves. I looked to the surrounding conditions for clues and when none revealed themselves, I decided to stay positive but now, it’s time: time to talk about the Philadelphia 76ers.
Beyond what Sixers fans know intimately and don’t need reiterated (things are bad), the mood around the franchise is starting to feel closer to cornered than merely frustrated. Last night, after a third quarter collapse against the Heat in Miami, the Sixers held a postgame meeting that lasted over an hour. The game already had a bizarre feel to it, Philly led by 19 before being down 20, and Joel Embiid went from being listed as doubtful to starting. No one on the Sixers roster looked especially comfortable, a trend that’s emerged throughout the team’s first full month of regular season play.
Slipping now to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with a record of 2-11 I still feel the need to double check as I write this, one thing has become abundantly clear — the Sixers don’t have room to hedge.
There’s no scapegoat to pin the team’s shoddy performance on, not this early in the season. Even when healthy, and Embiid, George and Maxey are on the floor together, it’s been for naught. Both the teams wins came in arduous overtime, one without George and both without Embiid. The Sixers win against the Hornets was missing Maxey completely.
Here’s a problem I’ve wondered about since Daryl Morey landed George in what was declared an undisputed win for the franchise and the best move of the offseason — what about Philadelphia’s role players? To clear the books for cap space enough to sign George, Daryl Morey liquidated the team’s working roster — 13 of the team’s 15 man squad became free agents. Tobias Harrias and Nicolas Batum may not be spring chickens in NBA terms, but they provided the mechanical support the Sixers are now woefully lacking. This isn’t the Sixers only problem, that much has been made clear, but it’s a big one.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Personnel Coach Steve Kerr didn’t hold back in his post-game statement following the Warriors’ nail-biting loss. (Sports Illustrated)
Biz Former NBA stars Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady are looking to buy a minority stake in the NFL’s Buffalo Bills (CityTV)
Must Read Knicks forward OG Anunoby says he’s tired of being known for his defensive prowess. (The Athletic, subscription required)
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let other episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Warriors podcasts.
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