The Golden State Warriors faced a disappointing defeat against the Toronto Raptors, losing 104-101 after failing to score in the final 2:34 of the game. The Warriors, who were leading 101-98 with just over two minutes remaining, missed their last five shots, including three crucial three-point attempts. The loss drops the Warriors to under .500 for the first time this season, with their current record standing at 19-20. This game marked another setback as they have lost 17 out of their last 24 games since a promising 12-3 start.
Despite Stephen Curry scoring 26 points along with seven assists and seven rebounds, the team struggled without key players. Draymond Green, Kuminga, Gary Payton II, and Brandin Podziemski were absent due to various injuries including illness, back, ankle, calf, and abdomen issues, leaving the Warriors shorthanded. In the game's final moments, Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and Buddy Hield each missed three-point attempts in the last 44.7 seconds, sealing the team's fate.
The Warriors now face the challenge of climbing back to .500, a task that begins with their upcoming game against Minnesota. Stephen Curry expressed his frustration over the team's performance but emphasized the need for improvement as they look forward to future games. Curry has been vocal about his desire for the team to get better while maintaining a strategic approach towards potential trades.
"Desperate trades or desperate moves that deplete the future, there is a responsibility on allowing or keeping the franchise in a good space and good spot when it comes to where we leave this thing when we're done," said Stephen Curry.
The team has been urging patience since training camp and remains focused on exploring what this roster can achieve. As the trade deadline approaches in just over three weeks, head coach Steve Kerr, general manager Mike Dunleavy, and Curry have stressed the importance of not making hasty decisions.
"Doesn't mean that you're not trying to get better. It doesn't mean that you're not active in any type of search to, if you have an opportunity where a trade makes sense, or even in the summer free agency [move] makes sense. You want to continue to get better," explained Curry.
"Nobody wants to be stale or be in a situation where you're passing up opportunities. But it doesn't mean that you're desperate just flinging assets all around the place just because you want to do something," Curry added.
The Warriors organization continues to aspire for relevance in championship contention. They aim to foster growth among younger players while recognizing the aging core of veteran stars.
"We want to be in that position where we've always said that you want to be relevant in the championship type of chase. While we understand we're getting older and deeper into our careers and allowing some of the young guys to kind of blossom, it doesn't mean you're getting desperate," Curry remarked.
Leave a Reply