The Golden State Warriors’ Preseason Challenges
The Golden State Warriors are determined to address their recent shortcomings ahead of their 2025-26 season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite Stephen Curry showcasing his exceptional skills during the preseason, his teammates struggled with execution, reminiscent of their earlier performance issues from the last season.
Recent Defeat and Turnover Issues
Disappointingly, a 106-103 defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers highlighted the Warriors’ ongoing issues, characterized by a staggering 23 turnovers that allowed their rivals to capitalize and score 29 points off these mistakes.
Coach Steve Kerr voiced his frustration over the team’s inability to hold onto the ball, citing an alarming nine turnovers within the first six minutes of the game. “That bothers me,” he remarked as several players, including Brandin Podziemski and Draymond Green, struggled with ball security.
Al Horford noted the cascading effect that early missteps had, saying, “I feel like after that, we just kind of snowballed.”
Injuries Impacting Performance
The Warriors faced additional hurdles due to injuries, with key players Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler missing games. Butler’s absence was particularly felt; he is known for his ball-handling capabilities and ability to stabilize the team amidst chaos. His recent tweak to his left ankle kept him off the court for the third consecutive game, limiting his participation to just two out of five preseason matchups.
Focus on Improvement
Curry, who managed to avoid turnovers during his extensive playtime, emphasized that while the preseason is a time for experimentation, it doesn’t excuse the lack of preparation overall. “We’re trying things out, but as far as focusing on what the Clippers do, that’s something we reserve for the regular season,” he explained.
Kerr acknowledged the ongoing turnover issues as a persistent problem over the past eleven seasons, underscoring the team’s need to refine their fundamentals. “One-hand passes when two hands are available lead to mistakes. We need improvements in basic skills alongside ball security, but I really believe Jimmy will help alleviate many of these problems,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
Throughout the preseason, the Warriors averaged 22 turnovers per game, a figure Kerr considers excessive. “We definitely had a turnover problem throughout the preseason,” he acknowledged. However, he remained optimistic, insisting that with focused practice sessions leading up to the game in LA, they can rectify these mistakes and prepare effectively for their upcoming challenges.
With responses from both coach and players indicating a strong commitment to improvement, the Warriors hope that their adjustments and Butler’s return will lead to better performances as they march into the new season.
