Golden State Warriors Want Opening Night to Arrive

The Golden State Warriors fell to a 130-95 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night, and it was merely another example of why the regular season can’t come quick enough.

More from Warriors News

Blake Griffin scored 29 points while Chris Paul added seven points and 10 assists before he was ejected as the Clippers enjoyed a win, albeit in preseason, in what has continued to grow into an intriguing rivalry. The war of words between the two camps started a long time ago, but whether it was Doc Rivers suggesting that the Warriors got lucky en route to winning a championship last season or Stephen Curry apologising for their success, it all only serves to heat up what happens on the court this year.

Of course, Golden State fans didn’t get to see the reigning MVP in action on Tuesday night, while Andre Iguodala was also rested as the preseason campaign continues to be a disjointed and tiring process. Nevertheless, when these two teams clash across the regular season and perhaps in the playoffs, the intensity and atmosphere will be a completely different story in what is becoming the most interesting rivalry in the league currently.

As for the Warriors and their performance, interim head coach Luke Walton summed it up best with his post-game analysis.

"“We’ve got to move the ball better. We’ve got to communicate better. The same stuff we usually do pretty good. Part of it is we’re playing different rotations, different lineups. Because it’s the preseason, we normally play Barnes at the 4 position but we don’t want to play him too many minutes. We did tonight because they were small. We did more than we wanted to. It’s tough to really find a rhythm and flow. We’re substituting more and keeping people fresh and easy than trying to win the ball game.”"

While there is an argument to suggest that the Warriors should be using the preseason to iron out these issues and get everyone on the same page to find their rhythm, does it really matter?

If Steve Kerr returns next week and the Warriors pick up the W against the New Orleans Pelicans, will anyone even remember what has happened over the last few weeks?

It does leave them in a dangerous situation in which if this malaise, particularly on the defensive end after giving up 130 points, continues, then the pressure will continue to build and the critics and doubters will insist that they were right about this squad being unable to repeat. However, the Clippers and the rest of the league are only serving to add further motivation to this team, as when the lights are on at the Oracle next Wednesday, the real Golden State Warriors should be ready to step up.

More from Blue Man Hoop