Things That Will Cost the Golden State Warriors in the Playoffs

The Warriors are going to the playoffs, but unfortunately, there are many holes fundamentally that they know they need to fix. Some of it is caused by the same players over and over again, and it’s not easy to break a bad habit.

It’s not like these things are too bad, but everything adds up, and head coach Mark Jackson has spent a whole season just fixing defense. How is he going to fix the following problems so quickly? The Warriors may have just enough firepower to pull off a first-round upset, but there are still some things that could really hurt them in the playoffs.

Mar 1, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) passes the ball against Boston Celtics power forward Jeff Green (8) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

1. Sloppy Passing:

The Warriors have some great passers on the roster. Sometimes, however, they get a little bit fancy and turn the ball over. Upon watching the Jazz game, I realized that Stephen Curry likes to make an over-the-head hook pass. That usually doesn’t end well when other guards are able to out-leap the Warrior forwards for a steal and an easy layup. It may not seem too damaging, but in the playoffs, everything counts.

In the same game, when trying to be fancy on a fast break, Curry also tried to make a no-look pass to Klay Thompson, which Mo Williams got his hands on and almost took away. When making a decisive move to the rim, forwards like Carl Landry and David Lee get caught up in the air and turn it over. All of these things can contribute to Golden State’s downfall.

2. Being Lazy:

The Warriors are very capable defensively, but sometimes get lazy. This specifically refers to Lee. When guys like Thompson make guards burn half the shot clock looking for a good post, other guys like Lee get blown by and allows the other team to score easily. If he can stay with guards on the perimeter, why can’t he stay with players that actually play his position?

Also, after giving up an offensive rebound, the Warriors will often slack off the second possession and allow easy second-chance opportunities. In the playoffs, when every point matters, this could end up costing them.

3. Other Bigs:

Apr 7, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson (25) attempts a shot over Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) in the third quarter at ORACLE arena. The Jazz defeated the Warriors 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Nothing against the Warrior big men here, but if they play other teams like they did the Jazz, they are going to get destroyed in the paint each and every time. Andrew Bogut was supposed to be one of the best defenders in the NBA, but he just sat there and watched as Al Jefferson torched him in the first and second half. Lee didn’t do a great job either, as both Derrick Favors and Paul Millsap scored in the double digits.

If Bogut and Lee don’t put in some effort defensively, the Warriors are going to have a long night, tired of watching other bigs score in the paint. I know I was after the Jazz game.