The Golden State Warriors Defensive season continues to be plagued by a persistent issue – their defensive lapses. In their recent matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Warriors’ struggles on the defensive end resurfaced, leading to a 129-118 loss at Fiserv Forum.
Despite being clear underdogs without Stephen Curry, the Warriors put up a strong fight for three quarters. However, their hopes for an upset were dashed as their defence crumbled in the fourth quarter, allowing the Bucks to score 46 points on 70.4% shooting.
Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the team’s effort but expressed concern over the recurring defensive breakdowns. This trend has become a major factor in the Warriors’ descent to the lower third of the Western Conference, with a record below .500.
The defensive struggles were particularly evident in the fourth quarter, where the Warriors were outscored 31-20 after tying the game at 98-all with eight minutes left. Khris Middleton’s scoring spree, coupled with defensive breakdowns, allowed the Bucks to pull away.
This loss adds to the Warriors Defensive recent woes, as they have a 3-7 record over their last 10 games. In the last four games, opponents have consistently scored at least 70 points in one half, exposing the team’s defensive vulnerabilities.
The absence of key defenders, including Draymond Green and Gary Payton II, has contributed to the defensive challenges. While help is on the way, with Green potentially returning soon, immediate improvement is uncertain.
Despite having shown the capability for strong defensive performances in certain games, the Warriors currently rank last in the NBA in defensive rating over their last 10 games. The upcoming return of Green will undoubtedly boost the team’s defense, but addressing the defensive issues requires collective effort and a commitment to playing harder, according to Coach Kerr.
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