USA Today via Reuters
Last year, speculations rose regarding the Golden State Warriors having their “last dance” following a defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs. However, Steve Kerr emphatically dismissed such notions, implying that the team was nowhere close to that. Moreover, as the season neared, the franchise figures displayed hope for another championship run, forging the prevailing notion of the Warriors trio—Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green—facing a closing window of opportunity.
Yet, as the Warriors reach the midpoint of their season, they find themselves occupying the 12th spot with an 18-22 record. Even with their star players on the court, the team has encountered difficulties in resorting back to their winning ways. This led to the same questions when Kerr appeared on Willard and Dibs.
Steve Kerr detours from clear answer on Warriors’ last dance
Despite initial hesitation, Kerr candidly acknowledged the team’s vulnerabilities stemming from injuries, added pressure, and the natural process of aging. While refraining from providing a definitive response as he had done previously, Steve Kerr highlighted that the Warriors are merely a season and a half removed from their last championship. Furthermore, infusing a sense of belief in his team, Kerr declared his unwavering commitment to stand alongside them and continue the fight.
Despite Draymond Green‘s return to the lineup, the Warriors suffered a recent defeat against a severely undermanned Memphis Grizzlies. Now, they will gear up to face challenges against the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz in the upcoming days, both of whom have demonstrated to be the better teams this season.
After serving a 12-game suspension by the league and a 4-game hiatus for conditioning, Green made a statement in his return to the court, Despite being a linchpin for the franchise’s modern dynasty, despite he was met with boos from the crowd. However, Green embraced his role off the bench and contributed 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in the Warriors’ loss. The team, however, welcomed him back with enthusiasm, as Green quickly resumed his leadership role.
Post-game, Green passionately urged the Warriors squad to take pride in one-on-one defensive matchups. He emphasized that factors like defensive help, proper rotation, and trapping become inconsequential if players do not approach their defensive responsibilities seriously. Going further, he asserted that even communication falls short in salvaging plays in such situations.
Green is unmistakably trying to infuse a winner’s mentality back into the Warriors squad. With this being Green’s first game after a month and coming off the bench, there is optimism that the Warriors will soon reclaim a spot in the top 8 as the season progresses.
