Draymond Green Criticizes Warriors’ Defense After Nuggets Loss: ‘Our Defense Sucks’
Following a disheartening 129-104 defeat to the Denver Nuggets, Draymond Green expressed his frustration regarding the Golden State Warriors’ performance. This loss marks the team’s fourth in their last five games, leaving their record at 5-5. Green did not hold back in his criticism, stating, “Our defense sucks.” His concerns reflect a deeper issue within the team that has hindered their early-season progress.
Warriors’ Defensive Struggles
The Warriors’ defensive consistency has been a prevailing problem this season. Green emphasized that a lack of competitive energy and execution on the court has compounded their struggles. Head coach Steve Kerr echoed these sentiments, mentioning the missing competitive fire, connection, and edge necessary for success. The players were noticeably outmatched by a well-prepared Nuggets team, led by star player Nikola Jokić.
Key Players Missing and Performance Issues
The absence of Stephen Curry, who did not play due to a cold, along with Al Horford’s injury, put additional pressure on an underperforming roster. In contrast to a previous overtime win against the Nuggets, Friday’s match highlighted many weaknesses, particularly defense. The Warriors allowed the Nuggets to shoot 16 out of 33 from three-point range.
Younger Players Need to Step Up
- Jonathan Kuminga
- Brandin Podziemski
- Moses Moody
Young players Kuminga, Podziemski, and Moody struggled significantly, collectively shooting only 7 of 29 from the floor. Kerr pointed out that these young athletes must learn to fight through tough adversity on the court. Green also underscored that it is the responsibility of these younger players to bring energy and competitiveness to their game.
Looking Forward: Finding the Right Rotation
Kerr acknowledged the ongoing challenge of identifying effective player rotations, emphasizing that it typically takes around 20 games to establish solid combinations. Although he remains optimistic about the team’s talent and depth, Kerr noted that without establishing consistent energy and effort, they risk further disappointing performances.
Curry’s return is anticipated as a significant factor in the Warriors’ recovery. His unique skills are expected to create opportunities for the team, potentially alleviating some of the pressure during challenging games. However, Green remains firm on the need for the entire roster to elevate their performance, especially on the defensive end. “We need to be a hard-playing team and great defensively,” he stated, underscoring that sustaining high energy and effort is crucial for their success moving forward.
