Despite winning 16 of their last 20 games, the Golden State Warriors have recently shown inconsistent play, which cost them dearly in a game against Atlanta. Draymond Green described the loss as `terrible`.
Playing without Stephen Curry, the Warriors fell behind by 17 points in the first quarter and couldn`t recover, losing 124-115. The game was not as close as the final score suggests.
Curry is currently out with a pelvic injury after a fall in the game against the Raptors. In their last four games, the Warriors have only had one strong performance – a win against the Bucks when Curry was rested.
Otherwise, they played poorly against the Nuggets (who were missing key players) and narrowly won against a weak Toronto team before losing to the Hawks. It should be noted that the Hawks have been playing better recently, winning six of their last eight games.
`This is a bad loss, a terrible one,` Green stated. `When you`re aiming for something important with only eleven games left, you can`t afford losses like this. There`s too much at stake. You have to win the games you should win. Even without Steph, this was a game we should have won.`
Green is right. The Warriors have 11 games remaining. This loss has pushed them closer to the play-in tournament. Although they appear at No. 6 in the standings, they are tied in losses with the Clippers, who hold the tiebreaker and therefore control the last playoff spot. The Warriors are only one game ahead of No. 8 Minnesota.
Every game is crucial now. Their next three games might seem winnable on paper (against Miami, New Orleans, and San Antonio on the road), but nothing is guaranteed without Curry.
Some believed Curry`s injury might be beneficial, giving him rest before the playoffs. However, they need to reach the playoffs first. Their recent performance, reminiscent of their struggles before a rumored trade deadline move, leaves no room for error. They urgently need Curry back.
Curry is scheduled for re-evaluation on Monday before the game against Miami. The Heat, despite losing 10 straight, will likely be motivated for this game. The Warriors must also be prepared.
