Postgame Analysis: Warriors vs Suns

Image via Chat Sports

Disappointing end to the first game of the season for the Warriors. With disappointing defense and questionable game play, the Suns overtook the Warriors 108 - 104. In a crucial final minute or so of gameplay, the Suns were able to score virtually uncontested threes, proving that Kerr’s defensive idea of “small ball” really is not working out in the Warriors favor. The Warrior’s loss was also partially a result of lack of team chemistry, it seemed as though guys were trying to find their rhythm and couldn’t find their footing. 

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson

Coach Kerr also had an interesting coaching strategy. He stayed very rigid to his minute rotations which resulted in disrupting the natural flow of the game. Kerr likely is trying to preserve the players, it is a long season, and try to keep his older guys healthy and good to go throughout the whole season. There were also complaints on how Kerr positioned Steph Curry and Chris Paul. Having both of them on the court at the same time results in a massive liability defensively, with both of them being on the shorter side (6’2ft and 6 ft respectively). 

Curry led the Warriors with 27 points with Thompson trailing with 15. 

Overall, what seemed like a very winnable game for the warriors turned out to be a close loss. The Warriors need to fix their defensive strategy, because playing small ball definitely is hurting the warriors and causing them to give up relatively easy points. It’s still early in a very long season and the warriors have time to figure out how to piece together the puzzle.