UPDATE: The Golden State Warriors faced a critical rebounding crisis during their 127-123 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on November 10, 2023, at Chase Center. With star forward Al Horford sidelined due to hamstring tightness, the Warriors struggled to secure rebounds, allowing the Blazers to capitalize with 21 offensive rebounds and a staggering 28 second-chance points.
The defeat places the Warriors at 9-9 for the season, exposing a significant weakness in their lineup as they were outmatched physically. “We know we’re small out there at times, but we got to play bigger than we are,” said Steph Curry, who was frequently paired with fellow guards Brandin Podziemski and Gary Payton II, both standing at just 6-3. The absence of Jonathan Kuminga, missing his fifth consecutive game, further compounded their challenges.
Coach Steve Kerr expressed frustration over the rebounding stats, stating, “That’s the game. A lot of [offensive rebounds] turned into 3-pointers… 28-10 second-chance points. They’re an athletic team.” Despite the Blazers missing key players, they showcased superior size and agility, overwhelming the Warriors’ defense.
The Warriors’ defensive struggles were evident as they allowed the Blazers to dominate the paint. Donovan Clingan (7-3) and Robert Williams (6-11) proved too formidable, exposing the Warriors’ undersized lineup. Kerr acknowledged the need for immediate improvement, stating, “We’re just not guarding anybody… that’s never been the formula here to win a championship.”
In response to the pressing issues, Kerr hinted at potential lineup changes, including possibly returning to Quinten Post for increased size. “We’ll just have to get a good gauge on our team during this coming week,” he said. The Warriors now have a lighter schedule with five games in 12 days, providing a much-needed opportunity to address these critical concerns.
As the Warriors prepare to face the Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets, and New Orleans Pelicans this week, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if practice can indeed rectify their rebounding woes. With the season’s trajectory hanging in the balance, every game is crucial for the Warriors to regain their competitive edge.
