In an intense NBA game, the Warriors defeated the Wizards 122-114. However, Warriors owner Joe Lacob found no joy in the victory. What appeared to be a routine regular-season win actually concealed numerous hidden dangers, casting a shadow over the team's future.
The frequent injuries to key players have severely compromised the lineup's integrity. Starting power forward Draymond Green had previously missed three consecutive games due to illness and back injuries. In this game, Green only played for 3 minutes, missing his only shot attempt and securing just one rebound before being forced to leave the court due to calf tightness. Whether he will continue to miss games remains uncertain, which undoubtedly poses a significant challenge to the team's interior defense and tactical execution.
Despite playing a crucial role in the game, Curry struggled with his shooting in the first half. However, he showed no hesitation in the clutch moments, making a step-back jumper that sent Kuzma flying and hitting a critical three-pointer. Throughout the game, Curry went 10-for-22 from the field, 4-for-14 from beyond the arc, scoring 26 points with 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Heart-wrenchingly, in the closing stages of the game, Curry was pressed on the leg by the falling Poole, limping off the court early and returning to the locker room, with his injury status unclear. If Curry were to miss the next game, the Warriors would face the daunting prospect of having three core starters out due to injuries. Despite Coach Kerr strictly limiting playing time for the players throughout the season, the team has still been unable to avoid the onslaught of injuries.
The victory was hard-fought, and even against a struggling opponent like the Wizards, who were on an eight-game losing streak, the Warriors played a tightly contested game. This should have been an easy win, yet it kept fans on edge, raising concerns about the team's dominance and stability in the game. This also reflects the many issues the Warriors face in terms of lineup cohesion and tactical execution.
The outstanding performance of former Warrior Kelly Oubre Jr., who scored 38 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists on 12-of-25 shooting, has caused the team to reflect on their trade decisions. Oubre's impressive display left Lacob regretting the trade. Had they not traded Oubre, the Warriors would not have had to constantly search for Curry's ideal backcourt partner, and could have focused more on strengthening their frontcourt, potentially leaving them in a much better position than they are now.
For the Warriors, this victory is bittersweet. How the team will address the player injury issues, adjust the lineup, and enhance their strength is undoubtedly a difficult challenge facing the coaching staff and management. As for owner Lacob, how he will decide and whether he can make subsequent moves to plug the team's gaps remains to be seen.