5 Disturbing trends Golden State Warriors must fix
By Tyler Watts
3. Too many fouls
The Dubs are committing 22.4 personal fouls per game through 18 contests, which ranks 28th in the NBA. They average more than five per quarter, which would put them in the penalty every time. Golden State draws 19.9 fouls per game, so they are negative-2.5 each night.
They allow 26.5 free throws per game, which ranks 28th in the NBA. The Warriors attempt 2.2 fewer freebies than they allow each night, but the made shrinks to 1.6. Still, that puts them behind in every contest.
Fans saw it eliminate them from the In-Season Tournament on Nov. 28. The Dubs committed 11 third-quarter fouls, which helped the Kings shrink a massive deficit. The result ended with a Sacramento comeback, and the Warriors questioning their play. Head coach Steve Kerr made it clear his team must limit their fouls and turnovers (subscription required) if they want to return to contention.
Saying and doing are two different things. Can the Warriors limit their fouls moving forward? It will take a team effort, but Jonathan Kuminga is the only young player in the team’s top nine in fouls per game. The veterans need to defend without fouling or it could be a long season in the Bay Area.