Late-game scoring issue leading Warriors toward ‘mediocre’ realization
Late-game scoring issue leading Warriors toward ‘mediocre’ realization originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
After a promising start to this season, aided by a significantly revamped roster, the Warriors are tumbling back into their two worst tendencies of last season.
Turnovers, which are the subject of incessant discussion.
And late-game collapses.
Both were on display Wednesday night in a 91-90 loss to the Rockets at Toyota Center. This was the latest loss in which the Warriors were on the road to victory before making a U-turn into defeat. These finishes can take a toll on the gut and maybe the mind.
If Golden State’s coaching staff and roster can’t pull themselves together and shake this debilitating pattern, the NBA playoffs, formerly the “Warriors Invitational,” will proceed without them for a second consecutive season.
“The pattern of scoreless droughts down the stretch has to be addressed, or else we’re going to be a mediocre team,” Stephen Curry told reporters in Houston. “I take responsibility for not being able to get us organized or not being able to finish plays. The ball is in my hands, I’ve got to make shots.
“But I think we all can address certain sets that can get us better shot-creation opportunities, knowing how teams are trying to guard us, especially in the last five minutes.”
The latest debacle came after the Warriors laid an egg in the first half and spun it into gold for most of the second. They trailed by as much as 14 in the second quarter but fought back to lead by seven with 3:38 remaining.
The offense then flatlined with poor execution, missed shots and turnovers in the final minutes. The Warriors committed 22 turnovers, giving Houston 30 points. Seven of those giveaways came in the fourth quarter, giving Houston 14 of its 23 points in the quarter.
“That’s our fault,” coach Steve Kerr said. “We didn’t score. We had a turnover on a pass from Draymond (Green) to (Jonathan Kuminga). We had done a great job…
