Preview: Let’s try again

The Golden State Warriors have fallen apart. After a historic 93-144 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, the team is hoping to regain some of its poise tonight at the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Golden State still has a top-10 defense to help them stabilize, but that’s asking a lot after a 51-point loss – the team’s third straight.

Potentially good news could be the return of Moses Moody. Although the team has been relatively tight-lipped about his injury and absences, Moody seems likely to play in tonight’s game based on the most recent injury report.

WHO: Golden State Warriors (14-12) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (14-12)

WHEN: Saturday, December 21, 2024: 5:30 p.m. PST

REGARD: NBCSBA

Someone help this man!

Stephen Curry said the above when asked how Dennis Schroder will help him and the Warriors win. Very little of that help came to fruition in Schroder’s first game, be it the inevitable passage of time slowly tightening its grip on the team’s aging veteran core or an improving league, it’s fair to say the Warriors are no longer light years ahead of the competition.

Curry could certainly use some help. He leads the team in both points (22 per game) and assists (6.4 per game), but his recent two-point performance shone the bright light of truth at the end of a truly incredible career. Curry may still have plenty of truly elite basketball left in him, but the “let Curry carry us” franchise model may be running its course.

The trusted offensive juggernaut struggled to a degree it never has before. 0-for-7 from the field and 0-for-6 from 3-point range. He ended what was possibly the worst game of his career with two points.

Damn, this might be the worst Warriors game of his career – which is really saying something for a team that has experienced such low points over the years. Combined with the Mavericks game, Golden State has now given up a total of 287 points in its last two games – a far cry from the elite defense that characterized this team earlier in the season.

Perhaps most disturbing is how worn it is The explanations begin to sound from the team.

“I know we’ll bounce back,” Kerr told reporters in Memphis. “I’m not worried about that. But we still have a lot to do to perform and learn how to perform under pressure, take care of the ball and take good shots.”

Where the impetus for this change in dynamics comes from remains unclear. Andrew Wiggins showed up in the last blowout, but neither Kuminga nor Green were nearly effective enough to make the difference in a Golden State offense that looks downright sad without Curry.

Schroder was the team’s easy answer for backup, but it felt more like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic than anything else. It is clear where the answers have to come from. Kuminga, Green, maybe some Buddy Hield? These are familiar calls that are starting to feel more like a fantasy than an expectation.

Unfortunately, a Sisyphean echo of messages of endurance is not the answer. What specific adjustments may need to be made? So far, Kerr’s most noticeable switch on this machine has been the starting lineup and the type of combinations that emerge as the rotation progresses. But what if this is more fundamental? If Golden State wants to prove they have the answers in-house, their current assets will have to prove their worth.

In recent seasons, segments of the fan base have become increasingly concerned about maximizing Curry’s remaining time with the franchise, and the Warriors have done what they can to bolster the talent around him while keeping the veteran core intact remains as possible. After pushing back against possible trades with Kuminga, the only easy answer remaining seems to be a more aggressive and violent reorganization of the supporting cast. But first a few more games. A few more chances to see what the addition of Schroder may (or may not) change. A few more opportunities for the promising young talent on this roster to develop into reliable contributors. I miss it quite a bit when this team won. At least we will always be able to look back on the 12:3 start.

Let’s see how it goes tonight.

Games like these are why I don’t play even though I watch the Warriors so closely. I’m reasonably confident the Warriors will come back and win, but it won’t be pretty.