Deep dive: Hit rock bottom! “Warriors’ Embarrassing No-Show Against Grizzlies Reflects Broader Offensive Struggles Plaguing the Team Over the Last 15 Games”…
The Golden State Warriors’ embarrassing blowout loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on December 19, 2024, serves as a glaring example of the team’s offensive struggles over the past 15 games.
Losing 144-93, the Warriors not only endured their fourth-worst defeat in franchise history but also highlighted deeper, systemic issues with their offensive performance.
This game was less of an anomaly and more of a reflection of a troubling trend that has plagued the team in recent weeks.
Offensive Efficiency Plummets
Over the last 15 games, the Warriors’ offense has been notably inefficient. Once a hallmark of their championship-winning formula, their ball movement and shooting precision have faltered.
The team’s offensive rating over this period has dropped to 107.9, ranking among the bottom in the league. Their shooting percentages tell a similar story:
Field Goal Percentage: 42.6%
Three-Point Percentage: 33.7%
Free Throw Percentage: 71.4%
These numbers are far below their season averages and reflect a lack of rhythm and confidence on offense. The Grizzlies game epitomized these struggles, with the Warriors shooting a dismal 38% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc.
Stephen Curry’s Struggles
As the team’s leader and offensive engine, Stephen Curry’s slump has been particularly glaring. Against the Grizzlies, Curry recorded just two points, failing to make a single field goal for the first time in his career when playing at least 12 minutes.
Missing all seven of his shot attempts, including six from three-point range, Curry’s performance symbolized the broader struggles of the Warriors’ offense.
Over the last 15 games, Curry’s shooting percentages have taken a significant dip, with his three-point accuracy falling below 35%. Opponents have focused heavily on limiting Curry’s impact, employing aggressive double teams and traps that disrupt his rhythm.
Without consistent offensive support from his teammates, Curry has been forced into difficult shots and uncharacteristic turnovers.
Turnover Problems
Turnovers have been a persistent issue for the Warriors, compounding their offensive inefficiency. During this 15-game stretch, they’ve averaged 13.3 turnovers per game, often at the worst possible moments.
In a recent loss to the Houston Rockets, for example, the Warriors committed 22 turnovers, which led directly to 30 points for the opposition.
Sloppy ball-handling and poor decision-making have undermined the team’s offensive flow. In the Grizzlies game, the Warriors turned the ball over 15 times, leading to 20 fast-break points for Memphis.
These mistakes not only cost them scoring opportunities but also allowed their opponents to build and maintain momentum.
Lack of Bench Production
One of the Warriors’ strengths earlier in the season was the contribution of their bench players. However, in the past month, the bench has become a glaring weakness.
The second unit has struggled to maintain offensive pressure when the starters rest, resulting in significant scoring droughts.
In the Grizzlies game, the Warriors’ bench contributed just 28 points compared to Memphis’ 65. This disparity has been a recurring theme, with role players failing to step up and provide consistent scoring.
Young players like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga have shown flashes of potential but lack the consistency needed to alleviate the scoring burden on the starters.
Three-Point Shooting Woes
The Warriors have long been defined by their three-point shooting prowess, but this has been an area of significant decline recently. Over the last 15 games, the team has shot just 33.7% from beyond the arc, a far cry from their usual standards.
Even reliable shooters like Klay Thompson have struggled, with Thompson’s three-point percentage hovering around 32% during this stretch.
In the loss to Memphis, the Warriors made just 9 of 36 three-point attempts, highlighting their inability to capitalize on open looks. The lack of spacing and off-ball movement has made it easier for opposing defenses to contest shots, further contributing to their struggles.
Late-Game Execution
Another area of concern has been the Warriors’ inability to execute in clutch situations. Several of their recent losses have been decided in the final minutes, where poor shot selection, turnovers, and missed free throws have cost them dearly.
The lack of a reliable secondary scoring option behind Curry has made it difficult for the team to close out games.
Defensive Issues Compounding Offensive Woes
While the focus has been on the offense, the Warriors’ defense has also faltered during this stretch, often putting additional pressure on their struggling offense. Against the Grizzlies, the team allowed 144 points, including 56.4% shooting from the field and 47.8% from three-point range.
This inability to get stops has forced the Warriors to play from behind, further exposing their offensive vulnerabilities.
Coaching and Strategy
Steve Kerr’s system, built on ball movement and off-ball screens, has faced challenges as opposing teams have adapted. The Warriors’ lack of a traditional playmaking point guard has been a noticeable gap, with Curry often shouldering too much of the creative burden.
Kerr’s rotations have also come under scrutiny, with some questioning the limited minutes for promising players like Chris Paul, who could provide stability in the half-court offense.
Path Forward
To address these issues, the Warriors must take a multi-faceted approach:
1. Re-establish Offensive Identity: The team needs to focus on rediscovering their offensive rhythm through better ball movement and shot selection.
2. Support for Curry: Role players like Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson must step up to provide consistent scoring support.
3. Reduce Turnovers: Improved decision-making and discipline with the ball are crucial.
4. Enhance Bench Contributions: The second unit must find ways to contribute meaningfully, whether through increased minutes for young players or potential mid-season acquisitions.
The Warriors’ blowout loss to the Grizzlies is more than just a bad night; it encapsulates the offensive struggles that have plagued the team for weeks. If the Warriors hope to remain competitive in the Western Conference, they must address these issues urgently.
While the season is far from over, the clock is ticking for Golden State to rediscover the form that once made them one of the most feared teams in the NBA.
