UPDATE: The Golden State Warriors are grappling with a significant issue following their 127-123 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center on November 10, 2023. The defeat exposed a glaring weakness in size and athleticism that may hamper their playoff aspirations this season.
In a game where height and speed became decisive factors, the Warriors struggled to secure rebounds, surrendering an alarming 21 offensive rebounds and 28 second-chance points. Coach Steve Kerr did not hold back in his assessment of the team’s performance, stating, “That’s the game. A lot of them turned into 3-pointers. 28-10 second chance points. They’re an athletic team.”
The Warriors’ issues were compounded by the absence of forward Al Horford, who is dealing with hamstring tightness. His absence was keenly felt in the fourth quarter when the Blazers dominated the boards. The Warriors, who are now 9-9 for the season, were overmatched against the towering presence of Donovan Clingan (7-3) and Robert Williams (6-11).
“So we know we’re small out there at times, but we got to play bigger than we are,” said Steph Curry, who at 6-3 often found himself alongside fellow undersized teammates. The Warriors’ lack of size was starkly apparent, especially as Jonathan Kuminga missed his fifth consecutive game, leaving them vulnerable against the Blazers’ athletic wings.
The situation raises urgent questions about the Warriors’ strategy moving forward. The team has struggled with rebounding all season, currently ranking 21st in rebounds per game. Kerr indicated a potential shift in lineup strategy, hinting at more playing time for Quinten Post to bolster their size.
As the Warriors prepare for a lighter schedule with five games in the next 12 days, Kerr hopes that extra practice time will address the pressing issues. “We’ll think about going back to Quinten to get more size out there, that’s a definite possibility,” Kerr stated. The Warriors must quickly adapt before facing tough opponents like Utah, Houston, and New Orleans this week.
With the team’s championship aspirations on the line, fans are left wondering if the upcoming practices will be enough to rectify these glaring vulnerabilities. The Warriors will need to elevate their game and find ways to mitigate their size disadvantage if they hope to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging league.
Stay tuned for updates as the Warriors look to regroup and tackle their next opponents with renewed focus.
