The Golden State Warriors are on a quest to strengthen their defense, a crucial aspect that plagued them last season and played a significant role in their early exit from the playoffs. Despite an emphasis on improving their defense during training camp, the Warriors are still grappling with defensive challenges in the preseason.

 

Coach Steve Kerr candidly shared his assessment, stating, “Bad defense,” and acknowledging, “We’re not there yet. We’re fouling jump shooters more than we did a year ago through three games. That’s one of our key points that we’re trying to hit.”

 

The Warriors’ defensive performance in the initial two preseason games, both against the Lakers, was subpar. However, they displayed marked improvement in their game against the Kings in Sacramento, committing fewer fouls and dominating at the free-throw line. Still, the Warriors face a variety of challenges that will test their defensive capabilities.

 

Their relatively shorter stature among NBA teams, coupled with the absence of a certified rim protector, often leads to desperation fouls. Additionally, the absence of Draymond Green and the integration of new players create unfamiliarity and can affect defensive cohesion.

Stephen Curry acknowledged the impact of Green’s absence, emphasizing the need for the team to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and defensive strategies. He stressed the importance of syncing their techniques and communication to avoid defensive breakdowns, particularly on ball and off ball situations.

 

While Kerr accepted Green’s absence as a valid excuse to a certain extent, he also emphasized the need for solid defense. He noted that incremental improvements in various areas are essential for the team to become significantly better defensively.

In the 2022-2023 season, the Warriors ranked 11th in defensive rating, which dipped to 111.1 in the postseason. Kerr pointed out the importance of addressing issues such as rebounding, ball security, and defending without fouling during the preseason.

Video analysis has played a substantial role in their efforts to correct mistakes and improve. The core trio of the team, which boasts 12 championship rings, understands the paramount importance of defense and is committed to making it a strength as the season progresses. While progress may be slow, they recognize that a successful season hinges on their defensive prowess.