“This ain't no 'start slow' or a championship hangover” – Shannon Sharpe believes Warriors are in trouble as they lose to Suns after Steph Curry drops 50 points
Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry is on a roll as of late. Unfortunately for the defending champs, that hasn't translated into wins for his team.
After Wednesday night's 130-119 loss at the Phoenix Suns, Golden State finds itself at 6-9, with an 0-8 mark on the road. It hasn't been the start that the defending NBA champions had hoped for. The Warriors began 3-2 but then lost five consecutive games.
Over the last five games, Curry has been on the warpath. He's averaged 36.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 61.2%, including 52.0% from 3-point range. The issue has become that Golden State has won just three of those games during Curry's impressive stretch. During Wednesday night's loss, Curry finished with 50 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
On "Undisputed," analyst Shannon Sharpe said that there's a bigger issue with Golden State. While Sharpe praised Curry's recent play, he said that the Warriors defense has become alarming. "They don't play defense," Sharpe said.
"But this ain't no 'start slow' or a championship hangover," Sharpe said. "They just can't get stops when they need stops."
.@ShannonSharpe on the Warriors loss to the Suns despite Curry dropping 50 points:
"They don't play defense. But this ain't no 'start slow' or a Championship hangover. You can't win if you can't get stops." https://t.co/ZxYV5wAbXi
Steph Curry impressing despite Golden State Warriors struggles
After winning the 2021-22 NBA championship, the Golden State Warriors looked like they'd be a force in the Western Conference this season. That idea has diminished after Golden State's struggles to start the season.
While Curry has been brilliant with his recent play, the team has struggled to support its superstar. Golden State (6-9) entered the season with an intriguing roster, with a number of youthful pieces that looked to pair well with its veterans.
But the talent has struggled to step up, and the Warriors are in 12th place in the Western Conference standings.
Veteran wing Klay Thompson has struggled to find his groove this year. Thompson is averaging 14.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 2.5 apg. But the 32-year-old is also shooting just 35.1%, including 33.0% from 3-point range. For his career, he shoots 45.5%, including 41.5% from long range.
Steph Curry tonight:
50 points
9 rebounds
6 assists
17/28 FG
7/11 3PT
9/9 FT
Get this man some help https://t.co/aGz93c0bcf
Golden State's issues have been primarily on the defensive side of the ball. Heading into Thursday night's games, the Warriors rank 27th in the NBA in defensive rating. The offense hasn't been a problem, as they continue to be a force when it comes to scoring, ranking fourth with 117.5 ppg.
Golden State has been a two-way force over the years. It's been part of the reason the team has had so much success. Until the Warriors figure out their defensive issues, they are going to struggle to generate momentum.