UPDATE: The Golden State Warriors are grappling with a major size issue following a 127-123 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center on November 10, 2023. This loss exposes critical flaws in the Warriors’ roster that could impact their season moving forward.
As the game unfolded, the lack of height and athleticism became painfully obvious, especially with key player Al Horford sidelined due to hamstring tightness. The Warriors surrendered an alarming 21 offensive rebounds and 28 second-chance points, a statistic that directly influenced the outcome of the match. Coach Steve Kerr expressed his frustration post-game, stating, “That’s the game… A lot of them turned into 3-pointers.”
The Blazers, despite missing multiple key guards, overwhelmed the Warriors with their size and speed, led by the towering Donovan Clingan at 7-3 and Robert Williams at 6-11. The Warriors struggled to contain the athleticism of Portland, which featured an array of 6-foot-7 wings that exploited Golden State’s weaknesses.
Star guard Steph Curry, who stands at 6-3, noted the team’s need to “play bigger than we are.” The Warriors, now 9-9 for the season, face pressing questions about their defensive strategies as they ranked 21st in rebounds per game entering this match.
With the Warriors’ recent performance, the urgent need for practice becomes clear. Kerr emphasized the importance of refining their game as they prepare for a lighter schedule ahead, with only five games in the next 12 days. “We’ll think about going back to Quinten (Post) to get more size out there, that’s a definite possibility,” Kerr added, hinting at potential adjustments to the lineup.
As the Warriors look ahead to upcoming games against Utah, Houston, and New Orleans, the focus will be on addressing their rebounding issues and defensive strategies. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the team can turn this situation around.
This defeat serves as a wake-up call for the Warriors, highlighting the critical need for both immediate improvement and long-term adjustments. The coming days are crucial as Golden State seeks to restore its championship aspirations.
