The Warriors loss will be the best thing that happened to them all year...

[CitySushi]

Not even a hint of sarcasm here. Seriously, Steve Kerr must be so happy right now.

Last night the Spurs put on a clinic on the Warriors. But really the best part about the game was that the Spurs exploited every single weakness the Warriors have. They attacked the rim because of no paint protection. They forced the Warriors into so many turnovers. The Warriors defensive rotations were not up to par. It was like the Spurs knew every aspect of the Warriors that could be exploited and did so with the ultimate ease.

This should make Steve Kerr ecstatic. He can now hammer home to the players that nothing, absolutely nothing is a given. The Warriors have high expectations now with Durant, but player ability alone will not be enough. The Warriors have to execute. They have to be precise. And most importantly they have a long way to go before they prove themselves as an Elite team without being anointed as champions outside the Cleveland area.

It would be far worse if the Warriors coasted towards the end of the season, without any adversity only to have their flaws exposed too late in the season for correction. The regular season does not matter (should not matter) this year to the Warriors and now they can begin their ascension. The Warriors don't have to worry about a home court win streak. They don't have to worry about any records. They can now just focus on getting better, which as we saw last night has a lot of room for improvement.

As I said from the very start, there are going to be growing pains with this team. Interior defense is going to be a problem. Over passing could be a problem (which was the case for some turnovers last night). Last night's game from a big picture perspective is going to be extremely important for the Warriors.

 

[gordontrue]

I wish I could disagree with this logic but I can't. I had the same thought last night.

 

[HurricaneDij39]

It's a long season, but I just don't think the road for the Warriors is going to be as easy as most make it out to be.

 

[lebron23james]

The problem is GS is worse than last year and i said this from the beggining....They didn't need KD, they needed a big rebounder and defender like a gasol or Howard to give more shots to curry, thompson and green....And keep the team that fit perfectly together

Durant is just taking shots that Curry, Thompson and Green would be taking at the same %....they gained nothing on offense and lost out on rebounding, bench and defense

 

[Shanemansj13]

I agree that it showed all the weaknesses the Warriors have and most of it is fixable but you can't change rim protection unless they go out and get a player. That really shouldn't matter too much against most teams but you will also see a lot of teams exploit that weakness.

 

[CitySushi]

I agree that it showed all the weaknesses the Warriors have and most of it is fixable but you can't change rim protection unless they go out and get a player. That really shouldn't matter too much against most teams but you will also see a lot of teams exploit that weakness.

Yeah, the issues that were shown are easily correctable and actually standard considering the new personnel on the team. The turnover issues will get resolved as the season goes on and players start to get more comfortable with each other. The rim protection I agree is going to be a problem, but can be much less of a problem once the Warriors get their perimeter rotations on defense to the point it needs to be. Last night I saw a few instances where players got turned around, or there was a lack of communication on defense that could have resulted in preventing penetration to the hoop.

The Warriors, more than ever, will need to rely on their perimeter defense to prevent drives, rather than hedging them previously like they did with Bogut on the back line.

Much to improve on, but glad the players see first hand how their weaknesses can be exploited and how they can improve from the onset.

 

[Rockinkuwait]

It's game 1 of the season. They were exposed just like Chicago exposed that Cleveland was a weak team that couldn't pull out close games last year at this time.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Not even a hint of sarcasm here. Seriously, Steve Kerr must be so happy right now.

Last night the Spurs put on a clinic on the Warriors. But really the best part about the game was that the Spurs exploited every single weakness the Warriors have. They attacked the rim because of no paint protection. They forced the Warriors into so many turnovers. The Warriors defensive rotations were not up to par. It was like the Spurs knew every aspect of the Warriors that could be exploited and did so with the ultimate ease.

This should make Steve Kerr ecstatic. He can now hammer home to the players that nothing, absolutely nothing is a given. The Warriors have high expectations now with Durant, but player ability alone will not be enough. The Warriors have to execute. They have to be precise. And most importantly they have a long way to go before they prove themselves as an Elite team without being anointed as champions outside the Cleveland area.

It would be far worse if the Warriors coasted towards the end of the season, without any adversity only to have their flaws exposed too late in the season for correction. The regular season does not matter (should not matter) this year to the Warriors and now they can begin their ascension. The Warriors don't have to worry about a home court win streak. They don't have to worry about any records. They can now just focus on getting better, which as we saw last night has a lot of room for improvement.

As I said from the very start, there are going to be growing pains with this team. Interior defense is going to be a problem. Over passing could be a problem (which was the case for some turnovers last night). Last night's game from a big picture perspective is going to be extremely important for the Warriors.

the thing that i would worry about as a Golden State fan is the physical toll it is going ot take on your offensive players this whole season. I mean- you dont really have many big guys that are tough on this team that play minutes.

If i were them i would look for a trade for a decent big man, and definitely look for one at the buy-out deadline. Rebounding/rim protection/toughness- something that just was not replaced at all when Bogut left. That- and as spotty as Barnes was on offense- he did have the ability to switch a lot and played some pretty solid defense. That is gone too.

Not having a very deep bench- and not having very much size or toughness can wear a team down over a 6 month season. I think that is the main thing they have to address at some point.

 

[WiggyRuss]

It's game 1 of the season. They were exposed just like Chicago exposed that Cleveland was a weak team that couldn't pull out close games last year at this time.

very true.....
I remember LEBron's first year (back) in Cleveland- game 1 they lost ot the Knicks- they had practically a whole new team.

What did we see last night? Everyone on the same page- LEBron with a TON of assists....think of how different that is then 2 years ago when no one was on the same page. Now everyone is- the Warriors had that advantage the last couple years- a lot of roster continuity- but decided to blow it up for Durant--- its gonna take some time to get it figured out- and once they figure it out- the GM will hopefully figure out what if anything they need and try and make a deal.

Cavs looked so relaxed, all on the same page, no pressure- they have been playing together for a while now- have the coach they all like and respect...SUCH a different vibe then the last couple seasons- not only that- but they are also flying under the radar because of the Warriors. You could not DREAm of a better set of circumstances.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

the thing that i would worry about as a Golden State fan is the physical toll it is going ot take on your offensive players this whole season. I mean- you dont really have many big guys that are tough on this team that play minutes.

If i were them i would look for a trade for a decent big man, and definitely look for one at the buy-out deadline. Rebounding/rim protection/toughness- something that just was not replaced at all when Bogut left. That- and as spotty as Barnes was on offense- he did have the ability to switch a lot and played some pretty solid defense. That is gone too.

Not having a very deep bench- and not having very much size or toughness can wear a team down over a 6 month season. I think that is the main thing they have to address at some point.

Yeah, it's not so easy for Dray to lock Dudes down now that Bogut is not standing next to him.

It will wear them down a bit.

But, honestly...

How many Teams have a big, highly skilled lineup like the Spurs?

The Warriors offensive talent will overwhelm most teams.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Yeah, it's not so easy for Dray to lock Dudes down now that Bogut is not standing next to him.

It will wear them down a bit.

But, honestly...

How many Teams have a big, highly skilled lineup like the Spurs?

The Warriors offensive talent will overwhelm most teams.

tahts very true....not many....though the Grizzlies and OKC have teams with a lot of good big men....

Clips have 2...not much depth though.

 

[CitySushi]

very true.....
I remember LEBron's first year in Cleveland- game 1 they lost ot the Knicks- they had practically a whole new team.

Pretty much the same deal with the Warriors. They have to deal with a ton of new parts and a revamped bench. There's going to be some cohesion issues until they figure out how to play with each other and play to each other's strengths.

The Cavs didn't start clicking until around game 40 or so that year. I would expect the Warriors might be able to turn it around a bit sooner than that, but wouldn't be shocked either if it lasted that long.

I think the Warriors will definitely be players for bigs who are bought out near the deadline. I think the biggest thing the Warriors can do immediately though is to try to develop Looney as soon as possible. He's already the best rebounder on the Warriors. If he can catch up offensively and hold his own on defense, that would go a long ways towards shoring up at least that problem.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

tahts very true....not many....though the Grizzlies and OKC have teams with a lot of good big men....

Clips have 2...not much depth though.

oh yeah....


Smash vs. Splash should be loads of fun.

Totally agree on OKC.

ADAMS, Kanter, Sabonis could be a load.

I would have listed Orlando.

But, you don't have to actually guard Biyombo....lol

 

[LAD]

the thing that i would worry about as a Golden State fan is the physical toll it is going ot take on your offensive players this whole season. I mean- you dont really have many big guys that are tough on this team that play minutes.

If i were them i would look for a trade for a decent big man, and definitely look for one at the buy-out deadline. Rebounding/rim protection/toughness- something that just was not replaced at all when Bogut left. That- and as spotty as Barnes was on offense- he did have the ability to switch a lot and played some pretty solid defense. That is gone too.

Not having a very deep bench- and not having very much size or toughness can wear a team down over a 6 month season. I think that is the main thing they have to address at some point.

I can agree with your points except for the one about their bench & Barnes. Barnes was one of their weaknesses on defense in that starting core. He was always undersized and out-manned. It was really bad.

Their bench will get better- that was the part of the team most affected by the changes this season. So it will probably take a little more time for Kerr to establish the core guys he will use for that 2nd unit. The luxury he has while figuring that out is he has 4 all-stars that play for him and so he can always have a starter- or 2- on the court during the transition.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

I can agree with your points except for the one about their bench & Barnes. Barnes was one of their weaknesses on defense in that starting core. He was always undersized and out-manned. It was really bad.

Their bench will get better- that was the part of the team most affected by the changes this season. So it will probably take a little more time for Kerr to establish the core guys he will use for that 2nd unit. The luxury he has while figuring that out is he has 4 all-stars that play for him and so he can always have a starter- or 2- on the court during the transition.

It comes down to if you believe Durant+Zaza+West+Mccaw > Bogut+Speights+Ezeli+Barbosa+ negative Barnes.

I admit, I didn't always acknowledge Bogut's contributions.

But, adding Durant s just a no brainer, even if it doesn't pay the dividends you expect.

Kinda like Love for Wiggins.

You do that deal without blinking if you get the opportunity to add that level of talent.

 

[GNG]

It's a long season, but I just don't think the road for the Warriors is going to be as easy as most make it out to be.

I agree, there are too many Chiefs and not enough Indians on that team.

 

[LAD]

It comes down to if you believe Durant+Zaza+West+Mccaw > Bogut+Speights+Ezeli+Barbosa+ negative Barnes.

I admit, I didn't always acknowledge Bogut's contributions.

But, adding Durant s just a no brainer, even if it doesn't pay the dividends you expect.

Kinda like Love for Wiggins.

You do that deal without blinking if you get the opportunity to add that level of talent.

I agree about KD.

I think Zaza actually has a higher bball IQ than Bogut on the offensive end- and he actually has shown more effort in terms of rebounding. I think we all know that was an area I would've liked to see Bogut improve.

West is an improvement over Speights for the simple fact that he can shoot AND defend/rebound. Speights wanted no parts of defending consistently- and was why he didn't play more. This team didn't really need his socring and he would've been more valuable had he been defensive minded.

I think McCaw will be better than Barnes- for the simple fact that he likes to pass and already has a pretty high bball IQ. I think once he grows some (maturity & physically) he will be a nice piece. We literally watched Barnes' game take a huge dip when he got injured- and his game never recovered when he returned to the lineup.

Ian Clark is shaping up nicely and I think will be a decent replacement to Barbosa. Ezeli's role is the missing link IMO. I do think they can fill that void- but they will need to bring in another guy to do it. I am just hoping that guy can shoot F/Ts.

 

[GNG]

It comes down to if you believe Durant+Zaza+West+Mccaw > Bogut+Speights+Ezeli+Barbosa+ negative Barnes.

I admit, I didn't always acknowledge Bogut's contributions.

But, adding Durant s just a no brainer, even if it doesn't pay the dividends you expect.

Kinda like Love for Wiggins.

You do that deal without blinking if you get the opportunity to add that level of talent.

I don't deny that the Warriors are loaded with talent but I'm a big believer that team chemistry is more important for success.

 

[GNG]

Mark Cuban has sat on his hands the past few years as the Mavericks continue to wallow in mediocrity.

 

[LAD]

Yeah, it's not so easy for Dray to lock Dudes down now that Bogut is not standing next to him.

It will wear them down a bit.

But, honestly...

How many Teams have a big, highly skilled lineup like the Spurs?

The Warriors offensive talent will overwhelm most teams.

Yes, this was also the point that Kenny brought up last night.