URGENT UPDATE: The Golden State Warriors faced a troubling defeat against the Portland Trail Blazers, losing 127-123 on November 17, 2023, at the Chase Center. The game exposed critical weaknesses in the Warriors’ lineup, particularly their struggles with size and rebounding against the Blazers’ athletic roster.
As the Warriors fell to 9-9 this season, they were dominated on the boards, allowing the Blazers to grab 21 offensive rebounds and score an astounding 28 second-chance points. “That’s the game,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr, highlighting the significant impact of these rebounds. The Blazers capitalized on their height advantage, with 7-foot-3 Donovan Clingan and 6-foot-11 Robert Williams proving uncontainable.
Warriors superstar Steph Curry, who stands at only 6-foot-3, noted the team’s need to “play bigger than we are.” The absence of Al Horford, who was sidelined with hamstring tightness in the fourth quarter, further complicated the Warriors’ efforts. As the game progressed, it became clear that the Warriors’ undersized lineup was a significant liability.
The Blazers, missing several key guards, unleashed their athleticism, forcing the Warriors to adapt by playing 6-foot-7 players like Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green in the power forward position. The Warriors’ inability to guard effectively was apparent, with Jimmy Butler stating, “We’re just not guarding anybody… that’s never been the formula here to win a championship.”
In a season filled with challenges, the Warriors entered the game ranked 21st in rebounds per game. Their 52-32 rebounding deficit showcased not just a size issue but also a lack of defensive intensity. Coach Kerr expressed hope that upcoming practices could address these concerns, particularly with the schedule easing up to just five games in the next twelve days.
Kerr mentioned possibilities for adjustments, including returning to Quinten Post for added size in the lineup. “We’ll just have to get a good gauge on our team here during this coming week,” he stated, indicating that changes could be on the horizon before the Warriors face off against Utah, Houston, and New Orleans next week.
The Warriors’ struggles resonate with fans, highlighting the urgent need for improvements as they seek to regain their competitive edge amid a challenging season. Will the upcoming practices lead to a turnaround? Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching as the team prepares for their next matchups.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Warriors’ progress and strategic plans in the days ahead.
