Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

DiVincenzo scathing as Golden State Warriors’ major issue lays bare again

By Peter O'Keefe

DENVER, CO - APRIL 2: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the rim against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a game at Ball Arena on April 2, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 2: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the rim against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a game at Ball Arena on April 2, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Golden State Warriors suffered a crucial loss in Denver on Sunday, blowing a 15-point second-quarter lead to lose to a Nuggets squad playing without back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic.

It was a reflection of the defending champions’ road woes this season. The Nuggets, led by Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr, were good without their best player, but this was another example of the Warriors largely beating themselves.

Donte DiVincenzo was highly critical of his team’s commitment level as the Golden State Warriors suffered a 112-110 loss to the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.

Golden State had lost control of the game late in the second-quarter, and then when they could have re-asserted momentum, they started the third with three needless turnovers in less than two minutes — a pair of which came from their superstar and best player in Stephen Curry. Later in the same period, Draymond Green wandered aimlessly away from the paint. It left Aaron Gordon wide open under the rim, and he was found by Murray for an easy slam.

Speaking after the game, Warrior guard Donte DiVincenzo, who was one of the team’s better players with 18 points, 13 rebounds and four assists, was highly critical of his team’s commitment and focus.

"“Ultimately you have to look yourself in the mirror. If you’re out there playing this game and you’re waiting for somebody else to tell you, excuse my language, to get your head out of your ass, that’s not going to work.”"

Head coach Steve Kerr said his players were ‘mindless’ from midway through the second-quarter. The Warriors have been playing with a lack of focus and concentration on the road all season. At Chase Center the adoring home crowd provides an investment in games that the team feeds off, yet they simply don’t get that motivation on the road.

Next. Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green’s twitter tirade reflects CBA disappointment. dark

The issue in itself is a problem, but it’s also amplified by the fact these ‘mindless’ plays are being committed by their best players and leaders — Curry, Green and Klay Thompson. The likes of DiVincenzo, Kevon Looney, Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga contributed reasonably well on Sunday, only to be let down by those who are supposed to be at their best when the stakes are so high.

Home/Warriors News