3 Things going wrong for Golden State Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Chase Center on February 12, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Chase Center on February 12, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

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.