Five pivotal factors for Warriors success in second half
The Warriors open the second half of the NBA season standing by their goal of earning a top-six seed for the playoffs. That’s the mentality in the hours before tipoff Thursday against the Clippers in Los Angeles.If they start Part II of the season in same way as they closed Part I, with three consecutive losses, a No. 6 seed likely becomes a bar too high.Three losses in a row -- conceivable with the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers following the Clippers -- would extend the losing streak to six and drop the Warriors two games under .500 for the first time since Week 1.There is, however, a blueprint to getting where they want to go. With 35 games over 66 days, here are five pivotal factors, in no particular order, to the second half
Aside from the first two games, Andrew Wiggins had several All-Star moments during late December and through January. He was defending at the highest level of his career and shooting more efficiently than ever.
Though his defense has remained good, his offense has faded so dramatically as to be barely visible.
Shooting just under 41 percent from deep through January, Wiggins’ 3-ball percentage dropped to 27.3 during 14 games in February despite getting many of the same looks -- open and sometimes very open.
The biggest advantage to playing with Steph Curry is the amount of space afforded by his presence. Coach Steve Kerr thinks Wiggins needed the All-Star break. If Wiggins takes advantage, nobody benefits more than Curry.
The Warriors have given away at least four games, with poor execution down the stretch.
Generally, the offense is to blame.
It was the defense that, more often than not, kept them in it.
The Warriors are sixth in defensive rating (108.8), fourth in contested shots (58.1 per game) and second in opponent field-goal percentage (44.3). It’s the fourth quarter, though, where they really shine.
Golden State’s fourth-quarter defense in February was No. 2 in the league at 96.1, a fantastic number when it matters most. The only fairly consistent weakness was rebounding percentage (48.8, 25th). If they maintain an elite level of defense, with slightly better rebounding, they give the offense a chance to sprint in transition. Some of those close losses become wins.
Golden State is undefeated (5-0) when Draymond Green scores at least 10 points. It’s a small sample size, but its impact is too considerable to be dismissed.
Draymond’s scoring, whether it’s the occasional 3-pointer or on forays to the hoop, gives the offense an added dimension and, moreover, the entire team gets a surprise spark.
When he’s not being allergic to shooting, he can make shots. When that happens, opposing defenses are forced to make a decision. Defend Draymond, or let him fire open 3s? Stay in front of him, or let him stride in for dunks?
There is no easier money than that which can be stolen by the unguarded player. If Draymond averages 11-12 points per game, the Warriors will find a few more wins.
In his first news conference of the second half, Kerr announced there would be “rotational changes,” beginning Thursday night. He offered no details.
To that vow, Dub Nation has a one-word response: “Hallelujah!”
Nobody on the roster has taken more of a beating from the fan base than backup point guard Brad Wanamaker. He’s not dynamic, he’s shooting well below his career numbers and it takes the air out of the second unit.
Given the need for more offensive production from that group, he’s vulnerable. He doesn’t defend well enough to stay on the floor without scoring.
Jordan Poole will get some run, and so might rookie Nico Mannion. Both bring an energy the second unit needs. If either plays satisfactory defense, that could be enough to turn the page.
At 7-foot-1, with a 9-foot-6 standing reach, James Wiseman should be able to block shots, discourage even more and grab rebounds in traffic. He rarely does.
OK. He’s a 19-year-old rookie with a few minutes of college and no NBA training camp. We get it. Inexperience, fundamentals and a relatively thin frame are factors.
What’s concerning is that Wiseman doesn’t always seem determined to be a defensive force. That’s where the Warriors need him most.
Example: He blocked 15 shots in an eight-game stretch early this season but 13 in his last 17 games. Opponents often gobble offensive rebounds with him in the area.
The Warriors insist Wiseman’s desire is high, that he’s willing to scrap. If that makes it into the games, he’ll silence some of the doubters and help his team.
