Two things we learned
1. The Warriors still badly miss Klay Thompson
After an exciting pre-season, many fans expected Jordan Poole to step up as the second leading scorer on the team. To this point through five games, that hasn’t exactly come to fruition.
After Curry’s 30.4 points per game, Andrew Wiggins and Damion Lee lead the team in scoring at 16.6 and 14.2 per game respectively. Although the Warriors ball movement and team game style has been a blessing at times so far this season, this Grizzlies game emphasized the lack of a second genuine go to scorer.
If Thompson can return to near 20 point per game performances by playoff time, that’ll be a major boost to a team that struggled against swarming Memphis defense late in the game. As incredible as Damion Lee has been so far this season, you don’t want him as your second go-to-guy in big moments come playoff time.
2. The Warriors have no answer for Ja Morant
During the third quarter, the Warriors were getting flashbacks to their heartbreaking loss to the Grizzlies in their play-in game back in May. Morant led them that night with 35, dropping another 30 here in another overtime game. In particular, he’s been able to make crafty, clutch plays in the important moments.
This also relates back to how the Warriors still miss Thompson. At his best, he’s the ideal matchup, a player capable of using his length and defensive IQ to disrupt Morant’s offensive output.
It’d be too much to expect this season, but perhaps by next season, we may see Thompson chasing around Morant like he used to against the likes of Kyrie Irving in past years.
The Warriors continue their eight game home stand against the Thunder on Saturday.