In the past three games, the Warriors have faced some tough losses, and each has highlighted different vulnerabilities. Let's break it down and see where things went awry.
Against Boston, the Warriors struggled to find a go-to scorer. Jaylen Brown was the standout for the Celtics, and the Warriors' veterans, like De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II, seemed to lack the aggressive mindset that Steve Kerr emphasized.
In Detroit, the absence of interior size was glaring. Jalen Duren and Paul Reed dominated inside, and the loss of Quinten Post to injury didn't help matters.
Atlanta exposed the Warriors' point-of-attack defense. CJ McCollum had a field day, and Gui Santos had a rough outing, possibly his worst as a Warrior.
Now, could Steph Curry be the answer to these issues? His presence could certainly address the scoring gap. While he might not stop McCollum directly, his offensive prowess could disrupt the opposing team's rhythm and inspire better defensive efforts from the Warriors.
The mental aspect of the game seems to be slipping for the Warriors. Santos appeared exhausted from the start against the Pistons, and Draymond Green's risky passes are more miss than hit without Curry to capitalize on them.
Melton, usually a defensive anchor, hasn't been his usual self, perhaps conserving energy for Curry's return. As for Brandin Podziemski, the advice is simple: focus on playmaking, not scoring, especially with Curry out.
Injuries are also a concern. Malevy Leons is dealing with a wrist injury, which limits his effectiveness.
Bringing Curry back is crucial. The team needs his energy and leadership to break out of this slump.
Shutting him down could disrupt the team's identity for next season. Without Curry, the focus might shift to developing young talents like LJ Cryer, Nate Williams, and Leons, but that doesn't help the immediate need to integrate with Curry's style.
The Warriors are looking at a potential Play-in scenario, and having Curry back could be pivotal. The experience of playing alongside him in high-stakes games is invaluable for players like Podziemski and Gui.
The plan is to have Curry return as soon as he's fully cleared, possibly as early as this Friday against the Wizards. With seven of their last ten games at home, the timing couldn't be better for the Warriors to make a strong push.