After a 3-7 start, the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors won eight of their next 11 games, and it looked like perhaps they were rediscovering their mojo.
On Tuesday night, they traveled to Texas to take on Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, a team that looks inferior on paper.
But despite erasing an early 17-point deficit, the Warriors came up on the short end of a 116-113 loss, as they allowed Doncic to erupt for 41 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists and four steals.
They still have a bit of momentum, as they’ve gone 8-4 since their 3-7 start, but with an 11-11 record, they’re just ninth in the Western Conference.
With more than a quarter of the season in the books, everyone is wondering whether Golden State can still be an elite team at some point this season.
The Warriors Are Getting Uneven Results Right Now
Stephen Curry is playing outstanding ball, the team’s offense has been trending upward a bit, but there are still some parts of the machine that aren’t functioning properly.
Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole, in particular, haven’t been playing up to their standards.
Klay Thompson tonight:
5 Points
2-9 FG
1-6 3PT
1 TurnoverONLY 31 MINUTES 👀🔥🤩 pic.twitter.com/z1IenD57tk
— Hater Central (@TheHateCentral) November 30, 2022
Both are shooting under 42.0 percent from the field this season, and Poole’s 3-point shooting has been very poor.
But defense is the Warriors’ biggest problem, as they rank just 22nd in defensive rating.
Defense has been the biggest key to their dynasty over the last eight years, and without a return to the elite defense everyone is used to seeing from them, there won’t be a return to the winner’s circle for them.
NEXT: The Warriors Can Rely On Their Superstar Again