In the first of three games on their most challenging road trip of the season, the Warriors stumbled like never before in the Steve Kerr era.
Their 113-95 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night was a game the defending champs surely want to forget for numerous reasons, from their wretched offensive execution and languid defense as well some questionable officiating.
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The 18-point margin represents the worst loss the defending champs have taken over the past year and a half when all their key players were healthy and active.
Stephen Curry was his usual spectacular self, a game-high 38 points, along with seven rebounds and five assists. Klay Thompson, with 24 points, and Festus Ezeli with 10 were the only other Warriors in double figures.
The Warriors (37-4) never got on track before the sellout crowd at Ben Wallace Night at the Palace of Auburn Hills. They were outrebounded 57-47 and submitted season lows for shooting percentage (36.2) and assists (18).
In addition, the Warriors were whistled for three technical fouls: interim coach Luke Walton, forward Draymond Green and Curry. It was Curry’s first T of the season.
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Six Pistons scored in double figures, led by guards Reggie Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, with 20 points each.
Detroit (22-18) was supposed to represent the “easiest” game of the three-game expedition, as the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls come up next.
[RELATED: Road trip could impact Warriors' chance at wins record]
STANDOUT PERFORMER:
Curry earns the honor for once again standing above his teammates, keeping the Warriors in the game when it still was competitive.
Curry’s line: 38 points (13-of-26 shooting, including 7-of-15 from 3-point distance), seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Curry’s 50-percent shooting is in stark contrast to the rest of the Warriors, who combined to shoot 30.9 percent (21-of-68). His plus-2 plus/minus made him the only Warrior on the plus side.
TURNING POINT:
After a 3-point play by Shaun Livingston gave the Warriors a 33-31 lead with 10:19 left in the second quarter, the Pistons responded with a 13-0 run to take a 44-33 lead with 6:53 left in the quarter.
The Warriors during that stretch missed all six of their field-goal attempts and committed a pair of turnovers.
The Warriors got no closer than eight over the remainder of the game.
INJURY UPDATE:
Warriors: F James Michael McAdoo (L foot toe sprain) was listed as out and placed on the inactive list.
Pistons: G Jodie Meeks (R foot fracture) was listed as out and placed on the inactive list.
WHAT’S NEXT:
The Warriors return to action Monday, when they face the Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PST.