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.
Late Loose Ball Whistle Decides The Game, As Houston Rockets Defeat Golden State Warriors 91-90
Warriors’ Late-Game Struggles: A Recurring Theme
The Golden State Warriors’ recent performance has left fans frustrated, especially with their inability to close out games effectively. In a recent matchup, the Warriors held a six-point lead with just two minutes remaining, only to falter in the final moments, reminiscent of their previous game against the Denver Nuggets. This pattern of failing to score in the clutch is becoming a concerning trend for the team.
The game against the Houston Rockets was a rollercoaster, with the Warriors managing to claw back from a dismal first half. The first two quarters were particularly rough, with the team scoring just 37 points and committing numerous turnovers. It was a stark contrast to their third-quarter performance, where they managed to control the ball better and reduce turnovers, allowing them to regain some momentum.
Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
Turnovers have been a significant issue for the Warriors, especially in the fourth quarter. The team committed seven turnovers in the final period, which proved costly. Draymond Green’s errant pass and Jonathan Kuminga’s decision-making were notable missteps. Kuminga, despite leading the team with 20 points, struggled with shot selection and free throws, going just 2 of 6 from the line. These missed opportunities highlight the need for better execution and decision-making in critical moments.
Stephen Curry, usually the team’s clutch performer, also had an off night. His decision to take a three-pointer with ample time left on the shot clock was questionable, and his overall performance in the clutch was not up to his usual standards. The Warriors need Curry to be at his best in these situations, and his struggles were a significant factor in the loss.
Adjustments and Future Prospects
The Warriors’ small-ball lineup, featuring Green at center, has been a topic of debate. While it offers certain advantages, it also leaves the team vulnerable in the paint. The absence of Andrew Wiggins was felt, as his scoring and defensive presence could have made a difference. The team needs to find a balance between their small-ball approach and having a more traditional lineup to address their interior scoring issues.
Looking ahead, the Warriors must address their late-game execution and turnover issues. Whether this means making adjustments to their lineup or exploring trade options to bring in additional scoring, something needs to change. The team has shown they can compete, but to elevate from good to great, they need to find consistency in closing out games.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Warriors’ challenges and potential solutions, tune into the Locked On Warriors podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Warriors Podcast:
- Analysis of the Warriors’ first-half struggles and their impact on the game.
- Discussion on Stephen Curry’s performance and its implications for the team.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of the Warriors’ small-ball lineup.
- Potential trade targets and roster adjustments for the Warriors.
- The impact of Andrew Wiggins’ absence on the team’s performance.
A common refrain about Spike Lee movies is that the city of New York feels like a living, breathing character. It has a presence in his films beyond that of a typical urban backdrop. It has dialogue; it impacts events.
Well, the Knicks crowd, amplified by the presence of Gotham villain Trae Young, felt three-dimensional in this NBA Cup quarterfinal, moaning, groaning, and cheering every time the ball ricocheted off a body part or players tumbled to the ground. It felt like it could change the events on the court, albeit with little control, like a player tilting a pinball machine. Even from my couch, I could feel the energy pulsing from the screen.
The atmosphere was electric; the quality of play was suspect. I’m not sure I’d let my loved ones watch, but for a specific breed of basketball fan (like the one who subscribes to this newsletter), it was gloriously grimy.
It was a miracle either of these teams hit triple-digits. The ball spent more time squirting out of rugby scrum-style dog piles than it did going through nets. The Knicks posted their lowest offensive rating of the season; the Hawks’ two best players, Jalen Johnson and Trae Young, combined for 43 points on 42 shots. Atlanta started the game 1-for-10 from deep, while New York had a stretch where they missed 12 straight triples.
In the end, however, it was Trae Young rolling phantom dice on the Knicks’ logo to celebrate going to Vegas.
The Hawks defense might be legit. Young is an easy target, but he also suckers teams into getting out of their offense to try and attack him, leaving them vulnerable to the swarm of kinetic, lengthy athletes that are standing by to help at a moment’s notice. Dyson Daniels chewed Jalen Brunson up (14 points on 15 shots), using a toothpick to get every last morsel.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Rumor Miami’s Jimmy Butler has expressed openness to joining the Golden State Warriors. This potential move could significantly enhance the Warriors’ roster and championship aspirations. (Golden State of Mind)
Analysis The player grades for the Warriors’ game against the Rockets highlight standout performances from Steph Curry, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green. Each player’s contributions are meticulously analyzed. (Golden State of Mind)
Replay Catch up on the Warriors’ intense battle against the Rockets in the NBA Cup with this game recap. Key performances and critical moments are thoroughly detailed. (Golden State of Mind)
Analysis Steph Curry’s honest statement following the Warriors-Rockets NBA Cup game offers insight into the team’s performance and future outlook. (Sports Illustrated)
Saturday, Dec. 21 | 7:00PM | Target Center, Minneapolis, MN | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
A Kawhi Leonard Update & A Fantasy Basketball News Catchup
Nov 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks on from the bench in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard’s Uncertain Return
Kawhi Leonard’s return remains a topic of speculation. Recent reports suggest that his comeback isn’t imminent, leaving fantasy managers in a bind. If you’re holding onto Leonard, patience is key, but be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait.
Jimmy Butler Trade Rumours
The rumour mill is buzzing with talk of a potential Jimmy Butler trade. While speculation is rife, it’s essential to remember that these rumours often don’t materialise. The complexities of NBA trades, including salary cap constraints and team dynamics, make it challenging to predict outcomes. Instead of getting caught up in the hype, focus on the players currently delivering consistent performances. If Butler does get traded, assess the situation then, but for now, it’s best to concentrate on tangible fantasy assets.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- The impact of Mitchell Robinson’s injury on the Knicks’ rotation - Evaluating Max Strus’s fantasy value upon his return - Donovan Clingan’s potential role with the team - The latest on Fred VanVleet’s shooting struggles and assist numbers - A look at the upcoming matchups and their fantasy implications
Stay ahead of the game by keeping these insights in mind as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of NBA fantasy basketball.
Don’t let other episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Warriors podcasts.
Golden State Warriors Finalizing Deal To Land Dennis Schroder Of Brooklyn Nets
Live reaction to the reports that Dennis Schroder is being traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Golden State Warriors.
When And How Will The Golden State Warriors Late Game Scoring Struggles Change?
The Golden State Warriors were in a similar position late, failing to score for a long stretch to close the game and giving away a game the Dubs should have won. Where did it go wrong for the Warriors, and how are they going to fix this from continuing to be a theme??
Steph Curry Speaks Out: The Urgency of Tightening the Warriors’ Rotation
With the Golden State Warriors in a slump, Steph Curry made a subtle push for change. Today’s show debates the balance between development and immediate performance. The episode also explores trade rumors and the strategic decisions Coach Steve Kerr faces in optimizing the roster. With a mix of analysis and speculation, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the Warriors’ path forward amidst a competitive Western Conference landscape.
