From misunderstandings with the fans to uncanny losses, the Golden State Warriors have looked more vulnerable than usual in their last season in Oakland. This combined with the drama surrounding the upcoming free agency makes it feel as though the team is losing its collective focus. After losing big on their home court to the struggling Dallas Mavericks, fans are wondering if they should be preparing for the end of a dynasty.
While talking to ESPN, Warrior coach Steve Kerr tried to soothe the fans' fears by addressing the on-court issues that led to Saturday's 126-91 loss.
"Defensively, we were not connected. We weren't talking, and we got off to that slow start. And Dallas is always a hard team to guard," Kerr explained. "A lot of miscommunication—but we just couldn't pull together after that slow start, and we never could get any traction in the game. So, we just got to flush this one down the toilet and move on to tomorrow. Not much else to do."
Saturday's loss to a beatable team dropped the Warriors from first in the West to half a game behind the Denver Nuggets. The 35-point loss is also the team's worst defeat since Kerr became the head coach in 2014, and its biggest overall since 2007.
It also adds to a string of blowout losses that the Warriors have suffered in Oracle this year. Golden State has had six games in Oakland where they lost by 20 points or more. Still, the Warriors insist that there are no flaws in their armor.
"It's not odd at all," Kevin Durant said when asked about the dramatic loss. "I think everybody in that locker room has gotten their asses beat at home before. I know this experience is different, how much winning we've done the last few years. But we're still in the NBA; guys have been a part of terrible games, along with the great games, as well. The good thing about it, we play tomorrow night, too."
That game is against the Pistons in the Bay.
