Lack of intensity
Talent can only get you so far in the NBA. Without a sense of urgency and intensity on both sides of the floor, winning games consistently is impossible.
This is one problem that has plagued the Golden State Warriors recently. They are quick to take their foot off the pedal — or sometimes fail to hit the gas, to begin with.
Their 21 point collapse to Dallas is a good example of this. A brief lapse in focus allowed a skilled team to claw back and reclaim momentum. By the time Dallas was rattling off a 19-1 run, it was already too late.
The same issue reared its head again in Minnesota. Lifeless jump shots in favor of putting the ball onto the deck and getting to the rim led to the Dubs feeling out of sorts against a Timberwolves team that was fighting from the opening tip.
This lack of intensity has shown itself majorly on the defensive end. Golden State ranks first in Defensive Rating but has fallen to eighth since January. They’ve been even worse in February, plummetting to 17th.