Warriors small lineups struggle in loss to Cavaliers

Liam O'Connor

November 5th, 2023

(Forward Andrew Wiggins goes for a steal against Cavaliers guard Caris Levert)

Facing a defense with wingspans ranging from 6-foot-10 (Donovan Mitchell, Georges Niang, Caris LeVert, Dean Wade) to 7-foot-6 (Jarrett Allen), the Warriors struggled, shooting just 36.2 percent from the field in a 115-104 loss to the Cavaliers on Sunday Night.

What was even more disheartening for Golden State than their 18-of-53 (34.0 percent) shooting inside the arc was their inability to convert in the paint, missing 20 of 32 (37.5 percent) against a tall team.

Size played a critical role in the outcome. The Cavaliers, with their imposing length and active defense, made a significant impact in the paint on both sides of the ball.

The Warriors' roster, with its relative lack of size and length, can be a liability in certain matchups, and this was clearly one of those instances.

Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged their lack of aggression in the first half, and the team seemed tentative around the rim. The Cavaliers shot-blockers and their status as the top defense in the league last year contributed to the hesitation that we saw play out during the game..

Despite having more field-goal attempts in the first half, the Warriors struggled to find quality shots around the rim. The Cavaliers only managed two blocks but altered many more attempts, dominating the paint by outscoring the Warriors 58-24.

"We've got to attack the paint more," Klay Thompson remarked.

Stephen Curry, who led Golden State with 28 points, pointed out the significant differences in playing styles between teams like OKC and Cleveland, emphasizing the need to adapt to different opponents' strategies.

Curry and Thompson expressed confidence in the coaching staff and veterans on the team, but they also recognized the need for more aggression and a more proactive mentality.

While effort and strategy adjustments are important, the Warriors' lack of size and length remains a challenge. Kerr emphasized the need for Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and Gary Payton II to utilize their athleticism to bring speed and agility to both ends of the court.

The team's response is a reminder that their height was no different in the 2021-22 season when they secured the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and won the NBA Finals.

The NBA landscape has changed rapidly, and the Warriors saw this during a tough matchup against the Lakers in the 2023 postseason, featuring a frontcourt with significant length and athleticism.

The Warriors will play tonight against Detroit, and look to bounce back from this loss.

(Cavaliers guard Darius Garland takes a 3 pointer against Klay Thompson)