The Golden State Warriors welcomed back two veterans to their lineup on Saturday.
After missing the previous 15 games, Andrew Wiggins returned to the starting lineup.
Welcome back, Andrew Wiggins pic.twitter.com/0vdFZE5sLK
— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) January 8, 2023
Also, making his season debut in this game was Andre Iguodala.
Both players give the Warriors much-needed wing depth.
Unfortunately, Klay Thompson was scratched from the game due to knee soreness.
Facing the rebuilding Orlando Magic, this was a game the Warriors needed to win.
But, that was not the case for Golden State as they lost 115-101.
Giving them their second straight home loss.
The Warriors struggled defensively in this game, allowing the Magic to do whatever they want on offense.
Warriors defense been getting roasted
— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) January 8, 2023
Golden State has struggled on defense all year, having one of the worst in the NBA.
Giving up just over 117 points per game.
The Warriors were elite on defense last year, so to see a dropoff this year is surprising.
If you are looking for a Warriors bright spot in this game, it was Anthony Lamb.
The two-way player led Golden State in scoring for the game with 26 points.
He scored 22 of those points in the first half before cooling off substantially in the second.
Anthony Lamb statement game?
— r/Warriors 🏆 (@GSWReddit) January 8, 2023
Lamb continues to push for a one-year deal with the team, dropping his two-way status, this performance should help his case.
But, for the Warriors, this game was very disappointing.
They drop to 20-20 on the season after the loss.
Also, getting swept by the Magic and Detroit Pistons this year is a tough pill to swallow.
This embarrassing game had Draymond Green leave the bench before it even ended.
Draymond seen enough. Made his way to the locker room with 40 seconds left in regulation. pic.twitter.com/3ukAS2uuki
— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) January 8, 2023
While this is a setback for the Warriors, they have something to be happy about.
That is the return of Stephen Curry on the horizon.
The Warriors need their best player back and have to start climbing the standings.
NEXT: The Warriors Are Expecting To Look Much Different In The Coming Weeks