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.
Golden State Warriors Loss To Houston Rockets Presents Same Struggles, When Will It Change?
Golden State Warriors: Navigating Late-Game Challenges and Referee Controversies
The Golden State Warriors are facing a recurring issue: scoring droughts in the final moments of games. This has become a frustrating pattern, leaving fans and players alike questioning the strategies employed during these critical stretches. As a passionate follower of the Warriors, it’s clear that changes are needed to break this cycle of late-game collapses.
The Role of Referees in Decisive Moments
One of the most contentious aspects of recent games has been the role of referees in determining outcomes. In a recent matchup, a controversial call against Jonathan Kuminga allowed the Houston Rockets to secure a victory with free throws in the final seconds. Head Coach Steve Kerr was visibly upset, pointing out that such calls can unfairly decide games. While it’s easy to blame the officials, the Warriors must avoid putting themselves in positions where a single call can dictate the result.
Strategic Missteps and Player Rotations
Another critical issue is the strategic decisions made during these tight games. Kerr’s choice to substitute Gary Payton II for defensive purposes, despite Payton’s struggles, raised eyebrows. Payton’s performance was not up to par, and the decision to keep him on the floor instead of Buddy Hield, who was having a strong game, was puzzling. Hield’s ability to score could have been the difference in securing a win.
The Warriors’ inability to score consistently in the final minutes is alarming. Despite having Stephen Curry, one of the league’s most prolific scorers, the team has struggled to close out games. Curry himself has acknowledged the need for better shot creation and execution in these moments. The team must find a way to utilize their offensive weapons more effectively to avoid these late-game scoring droughts.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Offensive Reinforcements
As the Warriors navigate these challenges, it’s evident that they need to bolster their offensive capabilities. With trade rumors swirling, the team is reportedly exploring options to bring in players who can provide a scoring boost. The absence of Andrew Wiggins in recent games has highlighted the need for additional scoring threats. While Wiggins’ return could help, the Warriors must consider acquiring a player who can consistently deliver points when it matters most.
The Warriors’ current standing in the Western Conference is precarious. With a tough schedule ahead, they must capitalize on opportunities to secure victories, especially when leading in the final minutes. The team’s ability to adapt and address these issues will be crucial in determining their success this season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Golden State Warriors’ strategies and challenges, tune into the Locked On Warriors podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Warriors Podcast:
- Stephen Curry’s reaction to late-game scoring droughts
- Analysis of the Warriors’ defensive strategies
- Potential trade targets to enhance the Warriors’ roster
- The impact of Andrew Wiggins’ absence on team performance
- A look at the Warriors’ upcoming schedule and key matchups
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in action against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
I was going to write about the NBA Cup semi-finals today but Milwaukee head coach, Doc Rivers, beat me to it by putting it all pretty succinctly with this:
“I mean, we’re gonna bring our wheelchairs to the cup because we have these three young teams. You know, everybody’s — Atlanta is young, Oklahoma is young, Houston is young. Then here comes the old Milwaukee Bucks, wheeling in. That’s what we are gonna be. We’re gonna just wheel in our wheelchairs and come in on our canes and see if we can just play some basketball. That’s what we are gonna do.”
So instead, let’s talk about superstars and trades. Not because any are going to be traded, but because the allure of the possibility of people like LeBron James and Jimmy Butler — people who create their own gravity — has once again hit peak saturation in NBA discourse.
The Heat floated the idea of a Butler trade, either directly or indirectly, and speculation over which team would make a ready destination followed suit. These things tend to go like dominoes — one of Butler’s favourite pastimes — but in terms of veracity, look no further than Butler’s own agent quashing the speculation. Yes, things have read as weirdly remiss in Miami, especially involving Butler, going back to team president Pat Riley’s end of season press conference. In it, Riley seemed to suggest the Heat were behind Butler so long as he was behind them. It’s a statement that should be self-evident, which is why it’s worth taking a second look at.
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
Replay The last two-minute report revealed a controversial call in the Warriors’ game against the Rockets, sparking discussions among fans about the officiating. (Golden State of Mind)
Preview The Warriors are set to host the Mavericks on Sunday following their NBA Cup loss to the Rockets. Fans are anticipating a strong comeback. Get ready for an exciting matchup. (Golden State of Mind)
Analysis The NBA admitted to significant missed calls in the Warriors’ NBA Cup game against the Rockets. This officiating error has become a major talking point for analysts. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis The NBA’s last two-minute report confirmed that the foul on Jonathan Kuminga during the Warriors’ loss to the Rockets was correctly called. This officiating decision has been validated by the league. (Bleacher Report)
Ranking As the NBA Cup reaches its semifinals, the latest NBA power rankings provide an updated look at where every team stands, including the Warriors. (Bleacher Report)
Must Read The best defense in the NBA is 4,500 screaming maniacs, or how the Clippers built the best home court advantage. (WSJ)
Analysis Even the Wizards are surprised they’re losing like this. (The Athletic)
Rumor NBA trade intel on Lakers, Pelicans, Warriors, Heat, Hawks and more from two ESPN insiders.
Award Did you know? PrizePicks is the best place to cash in on your sports knowledge. All you have to do is correctly pick More or Less on a couple of player’s stats and then watch the money roll in. Prove your knowledge on PrizePicks.*
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
What To Do With Portland’s Centers In Fantasy Basketball
Nov 22, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) handles the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr (10) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams/Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Portland’s Center Conundrum
Portland is currently a hotbed of uncertainty, especially concerning their center position. With Deandre Ayton battling an illness and Robert Williams III and Donovan Clingan both questionable due to injuries, fantasy managers are left in a bind. The likelihood of all three playing is slim, making it a gamble to stream any of them. If you’re considering adding Williams or Clingan to your roster, be prepared for a potential last-minute change. This situation highlights the importance of staying updated with player statuses, especially when dealing with teams like Portland, which can be notoriously unpredictable.
Injury Updates and Player Performances
Injuries are an inevitable part of the NBA season, and they can significantly impact fantasy lineups. Stephon Castle’s unexpected absence due to a shoulder issue has opened up opportunities for other players. Devin Vassell might see increased minutes, and if he starts, it could be challenging to move him back to the bench. Meanwhile, Zach Collins’ absence in San Antonio means Charles Bassey could be a valuable stream option for those needing a big man.
The Utah Jazz are also dealing with injury woes, with Lauri Markkanen managing a lower back issue and Jordan Clarkson’s status remaining questionable. Markkanen’s potential absence could lead to increased roles for players like Johnny Juzang or Micah Potter, but the situation remains fluid. Fantasy managers should be cautious and consider steering clear of the Jazz’s lineup until there’s more clarity.
In Los Angeles, LeBron James is officially out with a foot injury, which could mean more opportunities for Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht. Nikola Vucevic’s illness adds another layer of complexity, and if he’s out, Jalen Smith becomes a viable streaming option.
PrizePicks: Run Your Game. | Photo provided by PrizePicks
Did you know? PrizePicks is the best place to cash in on your sports knowledge. All you have to do is correctly pick More or Less on a couple of player’s stats and then watch the money roll in.
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.
