UPDATE: Following a 25-point blowout loss to the Nuggets and a 126-102 defeat against the Thunder, Draymond Green has publicly questioned the Golden State Warriors’ commitment to winning this season. The team is currently facing a sixth consecutive road loss, raising urgent concerns about their performance and cohesion.
Green, the Warriors’ outspoken power forward, pointed out the stark contrast between this season and last year’s success post-Jimmy Butler trade. “I think everybody was committed to winning [back then] and doing that any way possible. Right now, it doesn’t feel that way,” Green stated, highlighting the team’s current struggles.
Last season, after acquiring Butler, the Warriors finished strongly with a 23-8 record. This season began positively with a 5-1 start, but a grueling road schedule has led to fatigue and exposed critical flaws within the team.
Green emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “Everyone has a personal agenda in this league… you have to make those personal agendas work within the team confines.” He stressed the need for collective honesty during this challenging road trip, urging teammates to evaluate their contributions honestly.
Attention is drawn to younger players like Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga, whose ambitions and performance have stirred discussions. Podziemski’s earlier comments about wanting to surpass Steph Curry have not gone unnoticed, while Kuminga’s contract negotiations this summer highlighted his desire for increased responsibility on the court.
Despite a strong start, Kuminga has faced issues with ball security, committing multiple turnovers, including five in the loss to the Thunder. Coach Steve Kerr and Green have identified turnover issues as a key factor in the team’s recent slump.
Adding to the Warriors’ woes, Curry’s recent struggles have coincided with the team’s losses. After returning from an illness that sidelined him for three games, Curry shot just 4-of-13 against the Thunder, acknowledging, “I kinda fell into [the agenda thing] a little bit myself.” His statement reflects the broader struggle within the team to maintain focus on winning amidst personal aspirations.
The upcoming schedule does not offer any relief. The Warriors are set to face the San Antonio Spurs tonight, with both Green and Curry’s statuses uncertain due to injuries. Kerr noted Green is “banged up” and may not play, while Curry is pushing to return to form.
This six-game road trip is critical for the Warriors as they aim to regain their footing. With each game, the urgency to re-establish a commitment to winning intensifies. The Warriors’ future hinges on their ability to come together as a cohesive unit and refocus on what matters most: winning.