The Golden State Warriors faced stinging criticism following their stunning 10-point loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night.
Despite holding a commanding 17-point lead late in the third quarter, the Warriors unraveled, allowing the Spurs to seize control behind a stellar performance from Victor Wembanyama. The loss exposed weaknesses in Golden State’s execution and resilience, with Stephen Curry taking center stage in postgame discussions.
Curry Reflects on Missed Opportunities
After the game, Curry addressed the media, expressing disappointment in the team’s failure to close out the game. “You can find reasons or excuses after a game, things like that,” Curry said. “But we’re up 17 with three minutes left in the third. Golden State can learn a lesson about capturing and maintaining momentum on the road when you’ve done enough to separate.”
Curry’s performance was a far cry from his usual brilliance. The two-time MVP finished with just 14 points, hitting only three of his ten attempts from beyond the arc. While Curry has consistently carried the Warriors this season, his struggles on Saturday epitomized the team’s overall lack of sharpness.
Steve Kerr Weighs In
Head coach Steve Kerr was candid about the loss, acknowledging both Wembanyama’s brilliance and his own team’s failure to handle pressure. “We ran out of gas,” Kerr admitted. “This is part of the NBA, and we have to learn how to execute under pressure when we’re tired. We didn’t do that tonight, but we’ll get better.”
Kerr also pointed to the absence of Jonathan Kuminga, a vital piece of the Warriors’ rotation this season. Kuminga missed the game due to illness, which Kerr confirmed during his postgame remarks: “He just felt sick before the game.”
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
Warriors Collapse in Fourth Quarter
The game started promisingly for Golden State. They jumped out to a 29-17 lead after the first quarter and maintained their edge through the second, ending the half tied 21-21 in scoring. Even in the third quarter, the Warriors outpaced the Spurs early, building a significant lead.
However, the fourth quarter proved disastrous. Golden State managed just 13 points, while San Antonio exploded for 33, completely flipping the game on its head.
Wiggins’ Solid Effort Not Enough
Amid the struggles, Andrew Wiggins emerged as a bright spot for the Warriors. The forward posted 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists in 33 minutes. Despite his solid outing, Wiggins echoed the team’s disappointment postgame, admitting, “They just played harder than us.”
Wiggins’ comment underscored a recurring issue for the Warriors this season: a lack of sustained intensity. Against a young and energetic Spurs team, Golden State’s veteran core seemed unable to match their opponents’ urgency down the stretch.
Victor Wembanyama’s Dominance
Much of the credit for San Antonio’s comeback goes to Victor Wembanyama, who delivered a commanding performance with 25 points. The rookie phenom made life difficult for the Warriors on both ends of the floor, showcasing why he’s already considered one of the league’s most dynamic talents.
Kerr praised Wembanyama in his postgame comments but emphasized that Golden State’s issues were self-inflicted. “Even with how well he played, we had chances to close this out. We didn’t execute, and that’s on us,” Kerr noted.
Draymond Green’s Quiet Night
Another glaring issue for the Warriors was the lack of production from Draymond Green. In 27 minutes on the floor, Green managed just one point. Known for his playmaking and defensive intensity, Green’s inability to impact the game on Saturday further highlighted Golden State’s struggles.
Green has long been a barometer for the Warriors’ success, and when he’s not contributing at a high level, the team often falters.
Lessons to Take Forward
For the Warriors, Saturday’s loss serves as a wake-up call. Despite their strong start to the season, the defeat exposed vulnerabilities that must be addressed if they hope to contend in the Western Conference.
Curry’s postgame remarks suggest a focus on maintaining momentum and closing games—a challenge for a team that has often relied on bursts of brilliance rather than sustained execution.
Looking Ahead
With Jonathan Kuminga expected to return soon, Golden State will look to rebound quickly. Kerr’s confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and improve remains unshaken, but Saturday’s loss underscores the margin for error in a competitive NBA landscape.
As the Warriors regroup, all eyes will be on Curry and Green to lead by example, ensuring that late-game collapses like the one against the Spurs become a thing of the past.