It’s not as bad as last night’s drubbing looked, but not as good as many expected. The Warriors will be all right. They won’t be winning 50 games, they probably won’t make the playoffs, but they won’t get humiliated every night as they did Tuesday.
Last night can be explained.
* The Warriors ran up against one of the teams they match-up poorly against. Utah, San Antonio and the Clippers (with Elton Brand) are tough on the Warriors. Utah is especially tough because of its style of play. The Jazz is to Golden State what Golden State is to Dallas. The Warriors just have to tip their cap and be thankful they get two games against the Jazz out of the way early.
*The Warriors were overcome by their own emotions and excitement. This was most evident in their terrible execution on defense. I don’t think they made a proper rotation all night, and they left their feet to block a shot every chance they could. That will get better as they calm down and they season progresses. They won’t be San Antonio, but they won’t allow the likes of Ronnie Brewer to pick them apart.
*The offense will get better. It won’t be as potent or as sure as last season, but they were so out of sync and helter skelter last night. All they did was make one pass and run a pick-and-roll. Each player took turns trying to get to the basket or hoisting up threes. Very little post-ups. The transition game died after a hot start. That won’t be the norm, especially when Stephen Jackson returns. Still, expect more cold streaks and off nights because they have one last guy who can get you 20 in a variety of ways.
So, no need to be scared the Warriors are returning to their losing ways. But, as last night proved, don’t expect them to jump into the Western Conference elite this season.