When the new NBA season started, there was some hope that the Golden State Warriors could surprise some pundits and establish themselves as a legitimate championship contender. But just over two weeks in, they are thus far falling short of the bar.
After winning four of their first five games, they have lost four of five and have a 5-5 record. On Friday, they got smashed 129-104 by the Denver Nuggets, who are one team that is widely expected to be a serious contender this season in the Western Conference. Granted, Stephen Curry was out with an illness, but there was no excuse for Golden State’s piss poor effort on the defensive end.
It allowed the Nuggets to shoot 56.1% overall and 48.5% from 3-point range and dish out 34 assists. Forward Draymond Green made it clear afterward that such a defensive effort is unacceptable.
“We didn’t defend. That’s kind of been the theme,” Green said. “We didn’t play with high energy, which has off and and been on a thing. And when you don’t do those two, you’re playing against a set defense every play. And it’s hard to execute so I think there were a multitude of things.”
Read more: 76ers’ Joel Embiid Calls Out NBA Over Fine
Green has long been the Warriors’ emotional and spiritual leader, and he also took some responsibility for the team’s defensive shortcomings.
“I have failed. If our defense looks as [expletive] as it does, I failed,” Green added. “So, you can send as many messages as you want [to the team]. Until we do it, I’m failing.”
The 14-year veteran also said that players need to take their individual matchups personally and not wait for their teammates to rotate over to help or bail them out.
Over the years, defense has been the true key to the Warriors’ success. When they have won championships or at least reached the NBA Finals during the Curry era, it has been because not only their offense but also their defense has been elite. But so far this season, their defense has been lackluster.
They currently rank 14th in defensive rating, and they’re also in 18th in total rebounding percentage. They have traditionally been at their best when they have gotten out and run off their defense and rebounding, but they’re just 19th in fast-break points per game right now.
Yes, the age of the Warriors’ roster is an issue, especially on the defensive end of the court. But they do have enough depth and young contributors off the bench to put forth more energy, effort and production on that side of the court than they have lately.
Read more: Analyst Urges Struggling NBA Team to ‘Blow it Up’
After it hosts the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, Golden State will be tested when it starts a six-game road trip with a matchup against the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. The following evening, it will play the first of two games versus Victor Wembanyama and the upstart San Antonio Spurs in three nights.
For more on the Warriors and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.