The Golden State Warriors have struggled with inconsistency in their defense.
The Golden State Warriors have had a perfectly average season so far, evidenced by their 9-9 record.
The Warriors' offense has been uncharacteristically poor this season, with the team just 21st in the league in points per game at 114.8 and 23rd in field goal percentage at 45.2% per game.
Despite their middling offense, the defensive side of Golden State's game has shown flashes of potential. The Warriors are 10th in the NBA in defensive rating at 112.2 and 11th in opponent points per game at an average of 114.9 points allowed. The trouble with Golden State's defense has been consistency, and the team has struggled to find its footing often enough.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kobe Brown (24) faces defensive pressure from Golden State Warriors guard Will Richard (3) and forward Draymond Green (23) during the third quarter at Chase Center. D. Ross Cameron-Imagn ImagesEbbs and Flows in Defense
“I think we had some bright spots in some games that we have shown that we can do it for 48 minutes, and we have had some duds; even tonight we had some ebbs and flows. We have the answers, it's a reminder that you have to fly around, be on a string, not have mental errors when you are letting guys get to their strong hand, game plan, discipline-type stuff," Steph Curry said (via NBC Sports Bay Area and California).
Those inconsistencies were put into focus during the Warriors' most recent game, a 127-123 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The Warriors allowed the Trail Blazers to shoot 48% from the field and 36% from three. The Warriors also only put up 23 defensive rebounds compared to the Trail Blazers' 31.
Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) extends for a loose ball against Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) during the third quarter at Chase Center. Robert Edwards-Imagn Images"I think that we struggle with that part, especially tonight letting guys just drive right out of the paint and we have to put pressure on our bigs to figure out if they are going to guard the rim or guard the ball. Stuff like that over the course of the game, you start chasing a little bit,” Curry said.
Getting the Team Together
It appears team synergy on the defensive end has been what's holding Golden State back. They've shown clear examples of defensive talent, but it hasn't been something repeatable and has reflected in the Warriors' inconsistent record as well.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) drives with the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Robert Edwards-Imagn ImagesControlling the paint has been the biggest defensive issue for Golden State, something Curry alluded to when he mentioned putting pressure on Golden State's bigs. The Warriors are allowing an average of 51.3 points in the paint per game, a huge chunk of opponents' scoring that makes any periodic issue with opponent shooting all the more glaring.
Golden State still has the majority of the season to coordinate better on the defensive end, and it appears that the squad is at least aware of the faults that need to be addressed. Now, it's a matter of chaining together consistent defensive efforts.