Golden State Warriors Finish Trip With Loss At Charlotte

Dec 9, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball over Charlotte Bobcats power forward Josh McRoberts (11) during the first half at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

As surprising as it is, the Golden State Warriors finished their road trip 1-2 with a loss to the Charlotte Bobcats, who had their season high for points. Suitable that they would catch fire against the Warriors. Tonight, the Dubs were down by as many as 15, had the chance to tie it, and let the Bobcats regain a 10-point lead, from which they never recovered. The final score was 115-111.

The fouling game started in the end, but the Warriors couldn’t overcome the deficit. Tonight, in Stephen Curry‘s homecoming, he was the only lifeline with 43 points, nine assists and three blocks. Klay Thompson added 22 points and five rebounds, but it wasn’t enough.

Andre Iguodala‘s absence was really felt because the Bobcats of all teams scored 115 points, shooting 45 percent from the field and 50 percent from the 3-point line. The box score basically captures all of the elements of the game.

In the first half, the Warriors were very sluggish and slow, which has been a huge problem. They only time they overcame this was against the Toronto Raptors, but it’s difficult to score 42 points in a quarter. After some worrisome starts, the Warriors trailed at halftime by a score of 12.

Curry and Thompson, who started 1-for-14 for 5 points, moved to 17-for-25 for 45 points. They came alive in the third quarter and it finally felt like the Warriors were about to take over the game. They battled all the way back, and they were able to cut the lead in half heading into the fourth. Here, they tied the game and were able to gain some momentum, but an series of turnovers, starting with an offensive foul on David Lee, sparked a 10-0 Bobcats run that really put the Warriors away.

Playing without one of your best defenders is always difficult, and the Warriors are trying to find some way to get by without a leader and swingman in Iguodala. Sometimes, they demonstrate the ability and necessary skills to do so, but other times, like Monday night, they look completely flat and lost on the defensive end. The Warriors fall to 12-10 in a competitive Western Conference.

They now go home where they will see some extended time with seven out of the next nine games being played at Oracle Arena. Here, they will look to pick up some momentum and regain their elite status.