Title: Warriors Begin Season with Loss to Suns, Highlighting Shooting Woes and Defensive Struggles
Publication: The San Francisco Time.news
Date: October 22, 2021
After suffering a disappointing season-opening loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Golden State Warriors regrouped for a day of video review and practice on Thursday. The game revealed several areas of concern, including poor shooting, foul trouble for key players, lackluster performances, and defensive lapses.
Coach Steve Kerr emphasized the importance of analyzing their performance, stating, “It’s important to really look at what’s happening, which we did. Took a good look at the film. There were definitely possessions where we needed better spacing. But there were also a lot of good clips where we just missed shots.”
The Warriors struggled with their shooting, missing 13 shots at the rim and five more within 10 feet in the first half alone. Addressing these issues will be crucial if they hope to find success throughout the season.
Rebounding also proved to be a weak point for the Warriors, particularly in the lead-blowing fourth quarter. Phoenix capitalized on offensive rebounds, scoring 10 points off six second-chance opportunities. Kerr acknowledged this vulnerability, admitting that rebounding remains a challenge for the team.
Despite the shortcomings, there was an encouraging sign for the Warriors. When they executed their ball movement effectively, as evidenced by recording only 19 assists in the opener, they were able to offset their size disadvantage. Dario Sarić highlighted the importance of swinging the ball from side to side, making it difficult for larger teams to defend.
However, the Warriors failed to consistently follow this strategy in their opening game, exposing a lack of cohesion. Kerr’s system emphasizes the importance of ball movement, and it is anticipated that the team will improve in this area as the season progresses.
While the loss to the Suns reveals areas for improvement, it also serves as a reminder that the Warriors are not yet the team they aspire to be. Both newcomer Chris Paul and Coach Kerr have emphasized the need for time and patience as they work towards their goals. The impending return of Draymond Green from injury adds optimism to the team’s future performances.
Although the season has just begun, the Warriors’ four-point loss to the Suns hints at potential and the possibility of a competitive season ahead. With further development and adjustments, Golden State looks to build upon this opener and strive for future success.
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