The Golden State Warriors reminded their supporters on Thursday night that their inconsistency over the last two seasons has been their most distinguishing characteristic, just when the club appeared to be gaining some positive momentum. The Dubs fell to the Miami Heat 114-102 as they made their way back to the court to start a crucial run of at-home games. Despite the absence of Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry, the Heat simply seemed like a stronger team from the beginning to the end.
The Warriors’ performance had several noteworthy aspects, and Joe Viray will undoubtedly soon be delving into some of the more important ones. Throughout the entire game, the Dubs had an unprofessional, disorganized, and carefree appearance. But since basketball is a game between the top players on the floor, neither of Golden State’s key players was present.
A team-high 13 points were scored by each of the Splash Brothers. You did not read that incorrectly. Curry played for less than 32 minutes and finished the game 3-for-15 from the field. He was constantly smothered by the Heat’s defensive strategy after realizing he needed to be more аggressive in the second half. He had been far too happy to be a decoy in the first half. Thompson went just 4-for-11 from the field in his 25 minutes of play, but he did collect 5 assists and 2 steals.
Only three players from the rotation—Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, and Trayce Jackson-Davis—ended with a positive plus/minus. Six other Warriors players finished in double figures. In just 25 minutes, Jackson-Davis recorded another double-double (10 points and 11 rebounds).
With Curry and Thompson down, Jonathan Kuminga had to step up big for the Warriors. Rather, he made six mistakes and went 0-for-3 from beyond the arc. The youthful winger for the Warriors has earned more reliable playing time, but Thursday’s defeat served as a warning that Kuminga’s transition to a bigger role won’t be easy.
Before playing the Mavericks on Saturday, the Warriors will have one day to try and get their act together.