With just one game remaining in the NBA regular season, the Golden State Warriors are preparing for a high-stakes matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. A win would guarantee their spot in the playoffs, while a loss could send them to the Play-In Tournament. In this context, Steve Kerr made it clear his team needs to step up.
The Warriors bounced back with a 103-86 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers after a shocking loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Despite the commanding win, their performance was far from polished, shooting just 39.8% from the field and 31.8% from three-point range—a sign that the team’s offensive rhythm is still off.
Speaking to reporters after the win, Kerr didn’t mince words, expressing frustration with his team’s recent form and emphasizing the need for improvement heading into their season finale.
“Not good basketball,” Kerr said bluntly. “We have to pass the ball better. We have to get spaced better. We have to develop a rhythm. We were in a better place, I think, a few weeks ago. We were playing with more rhythm, more flow, more two-way connection. We have to get back to that. The last couple weeks have been a little choppy”.
Draymond Green highlights offensive struggles
Kerr wasn’t alone in identifying the Warriors’ offensive struggles. Veteran forward Draymond Green echoed similar concerns, acknowledging that the team’s ball movement has been inconsistent but also praised their defensive efforts.
“We could be a lot better [offensively],” Green admitted after the win. “It’s been too up-and-down as of late, the ball sticking a bit, not moving enough. But defensively, I think we’ve been pretty good for the most part”.
Green elaborated on the lack of offensive rhythm, pointing to issues with timing and ball distribution. “There’s no rhythm. If the ball is sticking and it’s not moving when it’s supposed to move, you’re not getting the ball when you’re supposed to get the ball,” he added. “It throws off the rhythm and timing of the game”.
Warriors vs. Clippers: Playoff atmosphere
The Warriors and Clippers are set to face off in what essentially feels like a playoff game. The winner secures a playoff spot, while the loser risks their season in the Play-In Tournament.
Stephen Curry underscored the magnitude of the game, likening it to the intensity of a Game 7. “I don’t want to be too dramatic. It should be like a Game 7 kind of vibe,” Curry said after the win. “You win and you control your destiny on a guaranteed playoff series. You lose, you roll the dice”.
Green echoed Curry’s sentiments, anticipating a high-energy battle. “[It will be] like a playoff game,” Green said. “Super intense. Two teams fighting for their playoff lives. Expected to be a very physical, high-intelligent, high-level basketball game”.