What in the world is wrong with the Golden State Warriors?
After winning their fourth NBA championship in eight years last June, they were expected to be one of the favorites to win it all again this season, but instead, they have been a festering disappointment.
With less than two months left in the regular season, there is a distinct possibility the Warriors won’t even make the playoffs, and some may feel it is time for them to hit the panic button.
Analyst Ric Bucher says they’ve been hitting that panic button many times over the past several months.
Time for Warriors to hit the panic button?
"That button's was activated a while ago. The punch didn't ruin the season but it complicated their ability to rebound from the issues they have. Draymond hasn't been able to have the authority & voice."
— @RicBucher explains: pic.twitter.com/q4bB5Fd3H8
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) February 24, 2023
If you remember the viral video of the incident between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole, Bucher singled out that fight as something that continues to affect Golden State in a big way.
According to the analyst, it has compromised Green’s voice as the team’s leader, and it has contributed to the Warriors’ defensive troubles.
They currently rank 21st in defensive rating, a far cry from their championship seasons when they were one of the best, if not the best defensive team in basketball.
Despite their withering 3-point shooting and potent transition game, defense has been the key to Golden State’s dynasty, and right now that dynasty looks to be all but over.
Stephen Curry has played in just 38 of their 59 games, and they have struggled both with and without him.
Although Golden State has played very well at home, they have done poorly on the road, posting a 7-23 record away from Chase Center.
With a 29-30 record, the Warriors are in 10th place in the Western Conference, and missing the playoffs would be a total embarrassment for the NBA’s most successful franchise over the past decade.
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