Warriors shocked by late ‘falling asleep’ in Utah

” In my experience, there’s a game like this every year where you leave the room thinking, ‘What just happened?’ » Steve Kerr and the Warriors no doubt asked themselves the question when they left the Jazz Vivint Arena. ” You make mistakes late in the game and you walk away shaking your head and thinking, ‘How could we let this happen?’ »

Yes, how could the Warriors, who were playing without Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, let this match slip away, despite a four-point lead with 13 seconds remaining (119-123)? Answer: by a succession of errors. Let’s first talk about the free throw missed by Jonathan Kuminga after the expulsion of Jordan Clarkson. Then the lost ball of Klay Thompson, “stripped” by Kelly Olynyk on a two-man take. But the back of the Warriors redeemed himself by countering Simone Fontecchio’s 3-point shot in the extension.

In the aftermath, Jordan Poole was sent to the line, despite his elbow on Kelly Olynyk, where he in turn missed a throw. On possession of the Jazz 13 seconds from time, the Warriors imagined conceding the lay-up to Nickeil Alexander-Walker. But the latter, at the last moment, preferred to serve Malik Beasley alone in the 3-point corner. The gap that “should” have been reduced to two points has fallen to one unit (122-123)…

” I just fell asleep. I watched the ball carrier go to the rim circle rather than stay on the 3-point shooter. It was a big mistake on my part “, recognizes Klay Thompson who dropped Malik Beasley to move slowly towards the racket.

Finally, we count the last ball lost by Jordan Poole, the sixth of his evening, after being squeezed by Kelly Olynyk and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, without any fault being whistled. “ When I received the ball, I heard: ‘Find the fault on the carrier’. I do not really know (what happened) to be honest », Reports the best scorer of the evening (36 points).

Positive despite everything

Malik Beasley only had to recover the leather and propel Simone Fontecchio towards the winning dunk. A complicated final to digest for the visitors who had nevertheless signed a solid fourth quarter, reacting to the previous one where the Jazz had dominated. ” I feel bad for our guys because they fought and did a lot of good things, but we gotta move on. “, Displays their coach.

The latter was still able to get a good glimpse of the Warriors of the future when Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody came to support Jordan Poole in the last act. With his 24 points and a permanent physical density, Jonathan Kuminga impressed a lot.

” His defense was incredible. JK has a special talent, and he showed it tonight. Although it’s early in his career, when he keeps it simple it’s impressive to watch. He will add strings to his bow over the seasons. He’s an incredible talent enthuses Klay Thompson.

At least, this failed end of the match will be able to have lesson value for this youth.

” We really fought and we won the right to win the match, but we couldn’t finish. And we must conclude. You have to be solid with the ball in hand, be smart defensively. We haven’t been either in the last 13 seconds “, regrets Steve Kerr to finish.