1-Game Overreaction: Golden State Warriors Fading Into Oblivion
Nov 27, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks point guard Shane Larkin (3) drives to the basket past Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
It’s Thanksgiving Day, and although they have a lot to be thankful for, the Golden State Warriors are probably feeling like turkeys after dropping to 9-7 following a 103-99 loss to the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday night.
After clawing their way back from a 17-point hole in the fourth quarter to get within four, Golden State couldn’t sink the shots they needed to escape Texas with a win. The Warriors have now lost four of their last five, and they’re looking up at seven other teams in the Western Conference standings after a hot start had them looking like title contenders.
“It’s still early,” some might say. “They’ll be fine once they get Iggy back,” others might add. Both statements have some truth to them. Hogwash, I say. For the moment, it doesn’t really matter. We need solutions, not excuses. Each game counts as much as any other, and during this stretch the Warriors have been average to below average, and their record reflects that.
We all know they’re capable of winning these games — last night was a great example. They were afflicted by the dreaded off-night, and they still had a chance to win it in the end. But they lost, and we have to face that harsh reality and eat our Thanksgiving meals with that awful losing stench surrounding our beloved basketball team.
The Western Conference is looking more treacherous every day; if there’s a season where you want to avoid falling behind in the standings, it’s this one. If they don’t get it together soon, they’ll be in danger of falling out of the playoff picture. Yes, they have 66 games to work with…BUT STILL!
What’s curious to me is the disparity of play in their wins and losses. When the Warriors get on a roll, they make the other team look stupid and win by 15-20 points. When they’re off, they’re running isolation plays for Jermaine O’Neal and missing jumpers like crazy. It’s quite apparent early on if they have it or if they don’t on any given night.
If you’re looking for a point, I don’t know if I really have one. I’m just nervous because when the Warriors lose, it feels like nothing is ever going to be right in the world. Mark Jackson is big on the inspiration speak, so hopefully he’ll get these guys fired up and locked in so they can get through this road trip and still be over .500 at the end of it.
I’m going to go get a plate and cry a little bit before I take in the Raiders-Cowboys game, which will likely make me cry more. Enjoy the holiday everybody. Make sure you say mention the Golden State Warriors when you’re saying grace, because, you know…it can’t hurt.