SAN FRANCISCO – Coach Steve Kerr estimated that the Warriors surrendered 10 possessions on Sunday night at Chase Center, leading to a 112-104 defeat against the Los Angeles Clippers. This marked the team’s first loss of the 2024-25 NBA season following two straight easy victories.
“Absolutely,” Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski remarked to NBC Sports Bay Area at his locker after the game, reflecting on Kerr’s assessment.
In their season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz—two teams expected to struggle in the Western Conference—the Warriors averaged over 133 points. Media outlets highlighted Buddy Hield’s impressive shooting start, along with the Warriors’ intense defense and the depth of the roster, which shone just as brightly as its stars.
Another key factor in the Warriors’ success against the Blazers and Jazz was their effective ball movement and ability to protect the ball.
During their undefeated 6-0 preseason, the Warriors recorded averages of 30 assists and 18 turnovers. In their opening games in Portland and Utah, they improved those numbers, achieving an average of 36.5 assists and only 16.5 turnovers, resulting in a total of 73 assists against just 33 turnovers. However, those figures took a downturn at home on Sunday.
Before leaving the game early in the fourth quarter due to a left ankle injury, Steph Curry registered six assists but matched that with six turnovers. Hield, who had been on fire, cooled off and had four turnovers—outnumbering the three shots he made throughout the game. Kerr utilized 13 players, with Lindy Waters III contributing 32 seconds, yet 10 players recorded at least one turnover.
The starting five for Kerr’s squad combined for 11 turnovers and 10 assists, reflecting the overall performance of the team. The Warriors managed just 19 assists on 38 made shots, while committing 21 turnovers, which resulted in 21 points for the Clippers.
“Firstly, the Clippers played excellent defense,” Kerr noted. “But we became careless with the ball and made some unwise plays. They are an athletic, well-coached team, and they managed to disrupt us effectively.”
Kerr acknowledged the team’s need to handle pressure better. Although the Warriors secured 28 steals in their opening two games and added 10 more on Sunday night, the Clippers surpassed them with 11 steals. Veteran guard Kris Dunn led both teams with four steals, and four Clippers contributed with multiple steals.
Ty Lue, the Clippers’ coach, is recognized as one of the top defensive strategists in the NBA, employing a switch-heavy scheme. During their pregame film session, the Warriors highlighted the importance of their corner player cutting and the spacing on the wings to exploit the Clippers’ switches. They discussed the need for double cuts during their five-out offense to counter the Clippers’ approach.
“We lacked consistency in that area,” Podziemski admitted. “At times, we executed well, but it wasn’t consistent enough.”
In their first two games of the season, the Clippers forced an average of 16 turnovers from their opponents—the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets. Last season, they ranked 23rd in the NBA for forcing turnovers, averaging 12.4 per game. Unfortunately for the Warriors, they were often their own worst enemies on Sunday, committing careless turnovers.
They totaled four turnovers in the first quarter, followed by eight in the second, seven in the third, and managed only two in the fourth, yet could not complete their comeback.
“Many of the turnovers resulted in easy baskets or dunks for them,” Podziemski said. “This alleviates pressure on James [Harden] to always score. You could see Derrick Jones draining a couple of threes, and Kris Dunn finding his rhythm. We need to be more collectively sound.”
The Warriors now have a day to address what went wrong in their first loss of the season. Curry will undergo an MRI on Sunday night after describing his injury to Kerr as “mild” or “moderate.” Regardless of whether he misses any time, the Warriors are aware of the necessity to reduce their turnovers, a recurring issue each year.
Next up, the New Orleans Pelicans (2-1) will visit Chase Center for back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday night. The Pelicans have averaged 12 steals per game and forced more than 18 turnovers on average. If Curry is sidelined, Podziemski may step into the starting lineup as the team’s primary ball-handler, and the young guard remains unfazed by one lackluster offensive performance.
“This was a valuable first test against a solid defense,” Podziemski said. “When you face such a challenge for the first time, you have to take it in and learn from it. New Orleans also boasts a strong and lengthy defense, and we need to apply what we learn.”
Warriors’ Turnover Troubles Lead to First Loss of the Season Against Clippers
Overview of the Game
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Golden State Warriors faced off against the Los Angeles Clippers, marking a significant moment in the early NBA season. The Warriors, who had been riding high with an undefeated record, encountered unexpected challenges that ultimately led to their first loss. This article delves into the critical turnovers that plagued the Warriors and analyzes the impact on their performance against the Clippers.
Key Statistics from the Game
| Team | Points | Turnovers | Field Goal % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | 101 | 18 | 44.7% |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 110 | 10 | 46.3% |
The Turnover Dilemma
Turnovers have always been a critical aspect of basketball, and this game was no exception. The Warriors recorded a staggering 18 turnovers, a significant factor in their loss. In contrast, the Clippers maintained a much lower turnover count at 10, showcasing the importance of ball control in high-stakes games.
Major Contributors to Turnovers
- Steve Kerr’s Offensive Strategy: The Warriors’ fast-paced style often leads to risky passes. This game highlighted some lapses in execution.
- Player Decisions: Key players like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green had uncharacteristic mental lapses, leading to ill-advised passes and turnovers.
- Defensive Press from Clippers: The Clippers employed an aggressive defense, pressuring the Warriors and forcing them into hurried decisions.
Impact of Turnovers on the Game
The turnovers not only affected the Warriors’ scoring opportunities but also shifted momentum throughout the game. Each turnover provided the Clippers with a chance to capitalize, leading to easy transition points. This section breaks down how the turnovers influenced various aspects of the game:
Momentum Shifts
- After committing early turnovers, the Warriors fell behind, which forced them to play catch-up for the remainder of the game.
- Scoring runs by the Clippers were often spurred by quick turnovers from the Warriors, leading to fast-break points.
Pacing and Rhythm
Turnovers disrupted the Warriors’ rhythm, causing them to lose their usual ball movement and flow. The following points highlight this aspect:
- Without consistent ball movement, offensive efficiency waned, resulting in lower scoring output.
- The inability to string together successful possessions put added pressure on the Warriors’ defense, which eventually wore down.
Player Performance Analysis
While the turnovers were a significant issue, the performance of individual players also played a crucial role in the outcome of the game. Here’s a closer look at some key contributions:
Golden State Warriors
| Player | Points | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | 28 | 5 |
| Draymond Green | 10 | 4 |
| Klay Thompson | 15 | 3 |
Los Angeles Clippers
| Player | Points | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|
| Paul George | 27 | 2 |
| Kawhi Leonard | 24 | 1 |
| Reggie Jackson | 18 | 0 |
Lessons Learned from the Loss
The first loss of the season serves as an important lesson for the Warriors as they seek to refine their gameplay. Here are some practical tips and considerations moving forward:
Improving Ball Security
- Practice Drills: Incorporate ball-handling drills focused on decision-making under pressure.
- Mindfulness Techniques: Encourage players to stay calm during high-pressure situations to make better choices.
Strategic Adjustments
- Evaluate Offensive Sets: Review and adjust offensive plays to minimize risk and increase ball security.
- Defensive Readiness: Prepare players to anticipate defensive strategies from opponents, particularly teams like the Clippers.
Case Studies of Previous Turnover Issues
Throughout NBA history, high-profile teams have faced similar turnover troubles during crucial games. Here are a few notable examples:
Miami Heat – 2011 NBA Finals
The Miami Heat experienced significant turnover issues against the Dallas Mavericks, which ultimately cost them the championship. Their struggles highlighted the importance of ball control in clutch situations.
Cleveland Cavaliers – 2015 NBA Finals
During the 2015 NBA Finals, the Cavaliers faced a similar fate against the Warriors, where turnovers were a pivotal factor in their loss. The pressure of the Finals was too much for some players, mirroring the troubles faced by the Warriors in this recent game.
Conclusion
The Warriors’ defeat against the Clippers underscores the critical nature of turnover management in basketball. As the season progresses, it’s imperative for the Warriors to address these issues head-on to maintain their competitive edge and bounce back from this loss. By focusing on ball security and making strategic adjustments, they can ensure a successful season ahead.
