At the All-Star break, the Golden State Warriors are 29-29 and ninth in the Western Conference. Here are three issues keeping Golden State from rising in the West.
1. An inability to close out games
One of Golden State’s biggest problems is its inability to close out games. Last month, Stephen Curry pointed to a lack of communication on the court as one of the chief reasons for the issue.
These late-game blunders are especially evident on the road, where the Warriors are 7-22 — the third-worst record on the road in the conference.
2. Absence of Stephen Curry, Gary Payton II
Without the two-time MVP, the Warriors have zero chance of achieving anything this season. Since Curry suffered an injury to his left leg, Golden State has gone 2-3.
Before Golden State’s game Monday against the Wizards, Curry addressed the media on a possible timeline for his return.
That’s not a satisfying answer for Golden State fans, but the good news is he doesn’t have a season-ending injury. The Warriors need Curry on the floor ASAP. He should make progress in his rehab during the six-day All-Star break.
Payton II, acquired at the trade deadline from Portland, is desperately needed as well. His defense is vital for a Warriors team that struggles mightily on that end of the floor. There is no specific timeline for his return, but it doesn’t appear to be “three months,” as initially reported.
Payton rehabbed quickly last season after suffering a fracture in his left elbow in the playoffs against Memphis.
3. Slumping Andrew Wiggins
Since his return from a right abductor strain that sidelined him for more than a month, Wiggins hasn’t been the same. Before the injury, he was on his way to a second straight All-Star appearance. He was averaging a career-high 45% three-point percentage — a figure that has dipped to 39.6 percent.
Golden State needs Wiggins to find his groove to have a chance in the playoffs, assuming the Warriors make it that far.
Wiggins showed signs of snapping back in Golden State’s last game before the break, dropping 29 points on 54 percent shooting from the field and grabbing seven boards against Washington.
