This time, the Warriors did not take a spanking in front of their home crowd. But mentally, the defeat against the Kings risks leaving just as many traces. While leading by 18 points on the Sacramento floor, Stephen Curry's partners collapsed to finally lose 123-117.
A defeat symbolizing their problems for two months, with a catastrophic second half. Some figures to show the level of the disaster: 12 lost balls, including 8 in the 3rd quarter; no points scored on the counter-attack; only six free throws…
“They had two-man catches in the first half, which we handled magnificently. We got open shots and put them in,” recalled Steve Kerr. “In the second half we lost our composure. They increased the pressure, but other than maybe two or three actions where they trapped Steph and deflected balls, I think almost all of the turnovers were avoidable. »
Of unconsciousness and recklessness
The Warriors coach talks about this 3rd quarter in which his players lost eight balls! “Sometimes, when you want to go fast, you make bad decisions, and that’s what happened tonight” deplores Steve Kerr. Clearly, put under pressure, his players confused speed and haste. Proof that they completely foiled in this area, the Warriors did not register a single counter-attack, compared to 28 for the Kings.
“Setting pace by making bad decisions is just recklessness” Golden State coach gets angry. “We didn't really play in rhythm. We were just reckless and careless with the ball.”
For Steve Kerr, it is not normal for a team with so many experienced players to collapse like that. It is not normal that some do not take responsibility when Stephen Curry is targeted.
“We must be able to maintain a level of control and execution, especially away from home against a very good team” he repeats. “We must realize that we must be intentional every evening. We lost too many balls due to careless mistakes, and there were too many poorly controlled possessions, as if we thought that this is not what wins away matches… We must become aware of the actions that win matches, and execute them.”
