Draymond Green Questions Warriors’ Focus After Sixth Straight Road Defeat
Slug: draymond-green-questions-warriors-focus-after-sixth-road-defeat
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Golden State Warriors absorbed their sixth consecutive road loss on Monday, falling 126-102 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and veteran forward Draymond Green left the arena wondering whether the locker room still shares the commitment that once fueled the franchise’s championship runs.
“I think everybody was committed to winning back then and doing that any way possible,” Green told reporters, via ESPN’s Anthony Slater. “Right now, it doesn’t feel that way.”
Green points to shifting priorities
The four-time All-Star said individual motives appear to be overtaking team goals. “I think everyone has a personal agenda in this league,” he said. “But you have to make those agendas work within the team. If it doesn’t work, you’ve got to get rid of your agenda — or eventually the agenda is the cause of someone getting rid of you.”
Green contrasted the current atmosphere with last season, when Golden State went 23-8 after acquiring Jimmy Butler in February, closing the year with renewed chemistry and a 5-1 start that included a win over the Lakers.
Youth movement under scrutiny
Rookie guard Brandin Podziemski drew attention in the preseason by declaring he wants to surpass Stephen Curry, while forward Jonathan Kuminga spent the summer in a protracted contract negotiation. Both players have flashed potential but have struggled with turnovers and consistency during the Warriors’ recent slide.
Curry fighting illness and shooting slump
Curry has been limited by illness and uncharacteristic shooting struggles, converting just 16 of his last 42 attempts over the past two games. “I kinda fell into that agenda thing myself,” the two-time MVP admitted. “But commitment to winning isn’t about shots falling. It’s about running the floor, rebounding, taking care of the basketball.”
Next stop: San Antonio
Golden State travels to San Antonio next, still searching for answers. Green indicated he may sit out, while Curry’s status remains uncertain.
Source: Hoops Wire
