The Warriors may have thought they answered questions about inconsistency with their first three-game win streak of the season but, if Sunday’s 117-91 loss to the Lakers proved anything, it is too early to dispel those concerns.
With a convincing win over the Hornets Friday, the Warriors had an opportunity Sunday at Staples Center to extend their season-best winning streak and earn a statement victory over the reigning champions. Instead, they lacked energy, allowed themselves to become discouraged by missed shots and trailed by 29 points by halftime.
The final moments of the first half were especially demoralizing. Second-year guard Talen Horton-Tucker easily barreled through guard Damion Lee, sending Lee flying past the stanchion, for a layup with 4:23 remaining to put the Lakers up by 29 points. Seconds later, forward Draymond Green sprained his left ankle while contesting a layup and exited the game with 4:15 to go. Then, LeBron James walked into a 3-pointer at the buzzer that felt like a dagger despite there being two more quarters to play. At halftime, the Warriors announced Green would not return. At that point, it was clear there was no reason to risk Green’s long-term health for a lost cause.
Until Sunday, the Warriors (19-16) were playing their best basketball of the season. The defense, ranked fourth in rating, gave up few open shots and gave Golden State a chance each night. Green (six points on 3-for-5 shooting, one rebound and two assists in 13 minutes) was thriving as a playmaker. Stephen Curry (16 points on 5-for-13 shooting and seven assists in 26 minutes) was playing at an MVP level and the starting lineup with center Kevon Looney back from injury was establishing early leads.
However, the Warriors’ starters were thoroughly outplayed, giving up a season-high 41 first-quarter points to the Lakers. For the game, the Warriors were outscored by 24 points when Curry was on the floor. That’s a losing formula no matter what Golden State gets from his teammates. Not that those teammates did much better. The Warriors shot 40% overall, went 8-for-34 from 3-point range, were out-rebounded 60-35 and coughed up 20 turnovers that led to 22 Lakers points.
Meanwhile, the Lakers (24-11), without All-Star Anthony Davis (right calf strain), made 53.7% of their 2-pointers, got to the free-throw line often (26-for-38 on free throws) and smothered the Warriors on defense.
Though last month the Warriors overcame a 19-point deficit to beat the Lakers, Sunday proved they can’t yet put themselves in the same class. Yes, the three-game winning streak — something that had eluded Golden State seven times prior — was a sign of progress. But two of those wins came over teams outside of playoff position, and none of those opponents had the strength of the Lakers.
The Warriors are now 2-7 against teams with 20 or more wins, and have been outscored by 143 points in those games. There’s a tangible talent gap between those teams and these Warriors, especially with Klay Thompson sidelined for the season with an Achilles tear, but it’s the lack of effort and consistency that is troubling.
For the most part, the Warriors take care of business against lesser opponents and should be good enough to make the playoffs in the Western Conference. But any ideas of competing with the Lakers, Jazz or Clippers will be dashed unless they figure out how to rise to the occasion on nights like Sunday.
