As strange as this sounds, the Golden State Warriors will limp into the extended All-Star break.
You’d never know from looking at their overall record and it’s unclear what the issue is exactly, but the best team in the NBA has been struggling mightily in recent weeks. The execution on the offensive end has been sloppy, the shooting has come and gone (mostly gone) and the energy level has dropped significantly – at least compared to what we’ve become accustomed to from this team.
After losing a much-anticipated matchup against the Atlanta Hawks away from home as a part of their four-game road trip last Friday, the Warriors went onto play three consecutive lackadaisical games against the following teams: New York Knicks (10-43), Philadelphia 76ers (12-41) and Minnesota Timberwolves (11-42). Golden State managed to blow a giant lead against the Knicks before recovering enough to win 106-92, barely beat a 76ers team playing without Michael Carter-Williams 89-84, and nearly suffered a disastrous loss against the Timberwolves before doing just enough to beat them 94-91 on Wednesday.
Like everyone else (except for those who have to play on Thursday), the Warriors will now have a chance to rest up until their next game on Feb. 20. It’s also worth noting this: despite the struggles heading into the break, they did manage to win their final three games. It may not sound impressive, given that they had more wins than all three of those last three teams combined, but the victories still helped bring their record to an impressive 42-9.
Andrew Bogut, who finished the contest with 10 points and 10 rebounds, did his best to put the team’s season up to this point into perspective:
Not the best road trip pre all star break, but I guess we will take 42-9, right? #goDubs #win
— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) February 12, 2015
It was mildly concerning to see the Warriors struggle so much against such bad teams, but no damage was done in the loss column (luckily for them). The team can now marvel at the amazing season they’ve had up to this point and enjoy the break before trying to get things back on track to finish strong for the remainder of the season.
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Jim Park is a blogger and editor of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog
The T-Wolves are not a bad team, motherfucker. They have been basically destroyed by injuries. As a 55 year fan of the NBA tonight’s game was a well-played game by both squads. The fan (I was one–you’re always welcome to sit with us in Section 106, Row Z, in the Target Center, where it’s all ball, no bullshit). The Warriors did what needed to do defeat a tough squad. Hurrahs for both teams. Tonight’s game was the reason that hardcore NBA fans spend their money. Over and out.