The Warriors' defeat has left Coach Cole's face colder than the winter in the Bay Area. With a final score of 95:113, the Cavaliers emerged victorious while the Warriors set a disgraceful home court record - a 33% shooting percentage and a 24% three-point percentage, plunging them to new lows. Never before in the Cole era have the Warriors played with such dismal statistics at home. This once-dominant team now seems adrift, at the mercy of the tides.
The Warriors' loss was not unexpected. Facing the league-leading Cavaliers, their performance was akin to a "disaster art exhibition." Curry shot 4 for 14 from the field, 3 for 11 from beyond the arc, scoring only 11 points. Such numbers are unacceptable for a two-time MVP. Green, on the other hand, had an "elite collapse," shooting 1 for 10 and scoring just 2 points. His performance raises doubts about whether this is still the passionate and defensive-minded Green we know. It seems as if the Warriors' key players have collectively fallen into a psychological rut, with their低迷的状态如影随形。
In contrast, the young Cavaliers team is full of vitality and resilience. Garland scored 25 points with 8 assists, Mitchell added 23 points, and Allen and Wade dominated the paint. The team's chemistry and execution are the keys to their success. Against the Warriors, they shot 46% from the field and 38% from three-point range. Most importantly, they did not falter in the clutch, demonstrating the demeanor of a strong team.
The Warriors' problems extend beyond losing a single game; it appears that their entire system is gradually collapsing. Cole's tactics seem to have been figured out by the league, no longer able to unleash waves of offense like in the past. Curry's aging and fluctuating form add uncertainty to the Warriors' attack. As for the other players, their performances fall short of compensating for Curry's absence. While Moody and Kuminga occasionally shine, they have yet to reach the expected heights. The team's rotation and depth also reveal significant issues.
Some might argue that the Warriors are merely experiencing a temporary slump and will remain a force to be reckoned with come playoff time. However, reality dictates that the Warriors have dropped to tenth in the Western Conference. The threshold for the playoffs is becoming increasingly higher for them. The once-dynastic team is now facing unprecedented challenges.
Looking at the Clippers, they turned the tables on the Pelicans with a 116:113 victory today, securing a three-game winning streak and surpassing the Lakers to rise to fifth in the West with a record of 19 wins and 13 losses. The Clippers' victory is not just reflected in the score but also in the team's cohesion and the performance of their key players. Powell scored a game-high 35 points, Harden contributed 27 points, and Zubac put up a luxurious stat line of 20 points and 16 rebounds. The Clippers' big three are beginning to show their dominance, especially in the ability to take over games in crucial moments.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, suffered their tenth consecutive loss, with morale at rock bottom. Even with all starters scoring in double figures, they could not reverse their decline. The Pelicans' problem lies in the lack of a core player who can consistently deliver. Their performance is more akin to a scattered mess, lacking overall unity and tactical execution. The game against the Clippers serves as a mirror, reflecting the gap between them and the stronger teams.
The Nuggets also had their moment in the spotlight today. They defeated the Jazz 132:121, leveling their record with the Lakers. The highlight of this game was undoubtedly the dual milestones achieved by Jokic and Westbrook. Jokic scored a massive triple-double with 36 points, 23 rebounds, and 10 assists, breaking the 15,000-point mark in his career. He became the third player in NBA history to record at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in a single game, following Chamberlain and Robertson. Westbrook completed his 1,900th steal in the game, becoming the 17th player in NBA history to reach this achievement.
The Nuggets' victory was not just a personal showcase for Jokic and Westbrook but also a triumph of team basketball. Murray scored 20 points with 10 assists, Porter contributed 21 points, and Braun added 20 points. Five players scored in double figures, showcasing the Nuggets' deep roster and formidable fighting power. The three giants of the Nuggets simultaneously dished out 10+ assists, a feat unseen in the league since 1992.
In comparison, the Jazz's performance paled in comparison. Markkanen shot 5 for 13, scoring only 17 points, failing to demonstrate the leadership of a core player. Even Clarkson's 24 points off the bench could not save the team from its slump. The Jazz's problem lies in the lack of stability and depth, often struggling when facing strong opponents.
The Mavericks lost to the Kings today with a score of 100:110, suffering another defeat. The absence of Doncic and Irving deprived the team of their most important win guarantees. Dinwiddie scored 30 points, but it was not enough to carry the team. The Kings, led by Fox, found their form again, ending their six-game losing streak. Fox scored 33 points, Sabonis contributed 17 points and 16 rebounds, and five players scored in double figures. This victory holds great significance for the Kings, symbolizing a fresh start after changing coaches.
Today's games have shown us that the landscape of the NBA is quietly changing. The decline of the Warriors, the rise of the Clippers and Nuggets, and the strength of the Cavaliers all herald the formation of a new order in the league. The end of dynasties and the rise of new powers are eternal themes in the basketball world. And this drama of shifting winds and changing clouds has just begun.