Warriors vs Spurs |GM-18|

Good

The guy they're missing right now more than anyone is West, both on the court and in the locker room. This is really the year that they stopped being a bunch of talented young guys with a veteran foundation and started being an experienced core in its prime leading a younger supporting cast, and that change is showing itself on both ends.

I think everyone fails to realize that we have nothing but freshmen in the paint. And as soon as Boogie come back he will take the load off some of our shooters by actually being a scoring threat at all times instead of the current lineup that basically needs perfect passes and setups to contribute.

Nathan Glanzer

I did something similar called “hey alchemy” you can send recording or questions to ahrenb21@gmail.com

Athletic Alchemy

@Athletic Alchemy, If the dubs lose to OKC, I'm gonna be so pissed about our self inflected issues, it would be great if you would hold a Dubs State of the Union Video. Where you give us a phone number or email address (ahead of time) for us to send recorded questions to prior to you making the video. You then conduct it like Steven A Smith or Collin Cowherd where you take "callers" calls. However, with this format you can prepare your responses ahead of time and really get some good additional contact for your YouTube subs…..you down?

I was thinking this same thing as in comparison to last year. The dubs had a great run with Cook running the floor and things were looking pretty good

Last year. 11/27 - 12/29 Steph Curry was injured for a month. Warriors lost first game he was out, then won next 11. Curry missed 16 games during that stretch, and without him Warriors won 13 of them. Why? What's different with this team now? Is it the lack of a playmaker on the floor with Draymond also being hurt? Is it lack of willing shooters? Is the NBA simply better at defending the Ws? We were only blown out once, so maybe it's just streaky-bad shooting from KD and Klay? Of course the offense is build to run around Steph, but this team has performed well without him before. Thoughts?

Thomas Ogas

Blind-sided stabbing in the back?? With Steph out Dray is the team's primary playmaker, he grabs the ball and pushes it hard, which is what he knows and they all should know is what Kerr wants in that situation, this is something they've certainly addressed as Kerr's strategy before that moment. One can question whether or not the other three guys on the court did what they should, Klay following Dray across the midline and Iggy parking on the 3-pt line, and Dray ends up fumbling the ball away because three guys converge on him and he doesn't have much in the way of options for passes. But there's no doubt that KD chose to have a pissy-fit instead of taking part in the play with the game on the line, and then with Dray certainly pissed about turning the ball over he gets in Dray's face about not letting him play hero-ball, dribble it up and launch a 35-footer or whatever. So he blows up, I think rightfully so, but from all reports goes too far with that, especially for being out on the bench. But is that blind-siding? No way. KD created the scenario that resulted in this mess, and I have to believe that Dray isn't just making shit up, whatever had been brewing beneath the surface was something real. It certainly could have been handled differently, or perhaps not at all, but it's hard to justify labeling what happened as blind-sided stabbing in the back...

We're not keeping Boogie when we can keep Klay and Draymond. And even those two don't look like they deserve anywhere near a max right now. Even though KD can't lead this team, he's still one of the best scorers of all time and one of the best supplementary pieces that you can ask for.

Paradox

At this point I wouldn't mind saying goodbye to KD after this season and keeping Boogie if he gets back to his old self.

Moving the ball is great but the players also need to move more off the ball, otherwise passing just becomes a hot potato game that gives turnover opportunities. Not enough players were moving in a way that was unpredictable for the Spurs.

Paradox

Great breakdown. Anyone who watched the GSW telecast can attest to the fact that Jim Barnett was repeatedly saying we need to move the ball more all game long. Even after 3 years here, KD still doesn't understand how to play team ball. He doesn't understand how to playmake for teammates. The reason the team is so bad when Curry sits and especially when Draymond sits at the same time, is that KD becomes the primary playmaker and he can't do it. He'd rather take contested jumpers than run an offense.

We've been pointing out so many off balance landings on Klay recently. I'm glad to see that perfect balance @ 12:12. Nails the footwork.

carlosd93

Do you know where that table was generated?

One major difference between KD and Steph, is that in a situation like this, Steph usually trusts his teammates no matter who is on the floor. He goes with the system a majority of the time. KD steps out of the system and reverts to playing hero ball because thats his instinct. He played that style in OKC for almost a decade. Also, KD doesn't space the floor the way steph can(no one can) and so if KD isn't hitting shots he isn't doing much else. Doesn't set good screens like Steph does, doesn't run off-ball and try to get open that way either. KD doesn't seem to be a very effective screen user. When he does get free off a screen it can give you good results, but I noticed he's just not used to it and isn't comfortable coming off of a screen. There was this play where Iggy was at the top and Jerebko was setting a downscreen for KD, trying to get him open on the left side, but Patty Mills tried to deny him and KD didn't even try to get open, he kind of just "gave up" and passively went about his business. Meanwhile Klay gets a downscreen from Damien Jones, receives the pass from Iggy, Klay passes back to Damien, then curls around him and gets the ball back and hits the three from the right wing. I thought that play was a good example of KD's experience moving off the ball compared to klay's. Seems like KD just isn't willing to expend that much energy on trying to get open when he doesn't have the ball. Offensively, most of what KD can do is just post up on the right side, someone feeds him there, makes a spin move and shoots a midrange J near the free throw line. Now, I know he's got plenty more moves than that, but usually he can just shoot over guys since he's so tall. So he's not used to being effective in other areas. If Steph was playing instead of KD, I guarantee we win the Dallas game and probably this one too. Last thing. Not sure KD can adjust his style of play because his instinct is to play ISO ball so I don't expect to see better results anytime soon, as long as Steph and Dray are out.

Interesting how everyone makes the clear statement that KD is better than Steph, But I'm going to go out on a limb and say, we take 2-3 of these games if you took him out and put Curry in. Hopefully we see next year, a KDless, Splash brother lead warriors team climbing up hill in the Western conference. Till then, this team once healthy is going to start dominating. Looks like Christmas Day will be better than expected.

Stevie Ray

maaan i hate the spurs

For stat nerds this is pretty crazy: <a href="https://imgur.com/a/3dImTGr" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://imgur.com/a/3dImTGr</a> Don't tell me LeBron is more impactful than Curry.

Paradox

Honest question Alchemy, do you think Draymond and KD can work this out and move forward? Do you think Draymond finishes the season in a Warriors jersey?

YANCEY WADE

Dear Alch, your videos are better than the game itself (lately). Thanks.

YANCEY WADE

KD just got blind sided stabbed in the back by his own teammate, Draymond. Curry injured. A lot has been dumped on him real fast. His legs are tired. Give him the night off vs OKC, call it "flu-like symptoms"

YANCEY WADE

Hey, Alch thoughts on this trade? <a href="https://twitter.com/evansclinchy/status/1064676910859460608" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/evansclinchy/status/1064676910859460608</a>

SunniDaZambi

haha I kinda agree! but that type of stuff is developed as a kid on the playground. He defiantly needs to study the nuances of CP and the little guys leverage tricks.

Athletic Alchemy

They are going to really try and run it up on us I imagine.

Athletic Alchemy

Salute to you Alc for being strong for all of us... I told myself that I was done bashing Mr. Durant smh but... Did you see his postgame, kinda took a slight at the system and certain players on the team saying "I know the Warriors way is 6-7 passes then shoot, but sometimes the ppl you're passing to are trying to pass too"... On occasion this overly unselfishness is apparent, but to me it singles out " Iggy and Draymond"... Ppl, in the past, have agrued whose "Best player in the World" Kd or Lebron and tbh skillwise it's close but Lbj's mental is alot stronger and he moves alot more like a leader... I mean they are both drama queens, but Lbj is doing more with a less talented team to a degree... Anywho thank you for the breakdown bro✌️

Nsikan Usen

You really think Dray is disliked that much in the locker room? I think he is one of those personalities that kinda of gets a pass because he gives it to everyone....like it aint personal. But that shit has a burn out factor for sure! IDK....

Athletic Alchemy

The Lonzo stat is crazy! we have to revisit that at the end of the season.

Athletic Alchemy

So I think I figured out what Cook needs to add to be a career NBA player. He's too short for today's NBA and doesn't make up for it with strength or athleticism, and he's not a great playmaker, so he's missing a number of things that let Chris Paul be a star. But what he can do is learn to play dirty - he needs some Matthew Dellavedova in him. It's too bad that the only guy who can teach him that is the one guy who's not allowed to feed him any milk-bones, Draymond. With his shot and a closeout straight to the ballsack, he could be a genuine difference-maker...

Agree that in this game they generated a reasonable number of good look 3's that didn't drop but warriors need to just run some simple passing game offense with pass and screen away...3 or 4 minutes of that off and on every quarter force every one to make their defender move because frankly the warriors now have players that just stand.

Steven Stanley

Great breakdown as usual. I think you are spot on with the assessment of us having great looks all night and then just not falling. Would be interesting if Loons could add the 3 ball to his repertoire. Quinn has been great back up pg, but his size can be problematic on the defensive end. OKC at home next FML...!

Damon

The reason we are playing hard and trying too hard right now is the last thing they want to do is make Dray think his act is what's needed. No one on this team wants that, KD might have been Dray's only friend and that's gone now. I just wish we could trade Dray for a Defensive minded guy who can drive an open lane you can drive a Motorhome through or can take an uncontested waiting for the bus alone 3. Trouble is I'll bet there are only a few teams that would want Dray and his bitch at his own team, can't shoot, "and 1" screaming ass. What I wouldn't give to see DWest drop Dray at the end of the Clippers game, miss him now more than ever.

Russ

I feel you...id say there is more effort in these losses.

Athletic Alchemy

and Steph is the only one has secured the Bag.

Athletic Alchemy

Agreed..this could just be a longer struggle than we have seen.

Athletic Alchemy

cool..let me know if there is anything I can do on my end.

Athletic Alchemy

Imagine having to get up in the morning and real live it lol....im do a full game live stream this season too many requests

Athletic Alchemy

I definitely thought Warriors were disadvantaged in terms of the ref calls especially with blocks and Cook getting the Chef treatment on drives. Still, this team's 3 pt shooting is just goddamn awful. Lonzo Ball is shooting better than KD and Klay from 3 pt range. Let that sink in. Now let it sink in more. And more. This is the worst shooting team in the league right now by a good margin if we remove Steph from the lineup (18.6 attempts, 33%). KD started shooting more 3s (thank god management probably told him) except he missed 1/17 the last two games. Like you said Alch, his lack of trust in his teammates is a big issue. He made some statement about passing which is half true, you can't just pass for the sake of passing but no one on this roster is moving enough without the ball so passing just becomes a hot potato game that just creates turnovers. Love your Jordan Bell take, I wonder if that's a lack of awareness or just lazy hunting for a rebound instead of guarding his man (a.k.a LeBron defense). I don't wanna see another 52 pt game by Klay because clearly that shit didn't work to get him out of his slump. I don't think it's bad shot selection, his tough shots somehow go in; he keeps missing open 3s or lightly contested ones.

Paradox

This shit is so painful to watch. You should livestream these games so we at least have someone to commiserate with.

james v

Yea that might be it...I got the email confirming it I’ll probably call them and see what’s happening

Couldn't watch the games this weekend. Thanks for the breakdowns. I think these kind of struggles early in the season make us better down the line IF they learn from them. Kerr included.

Funny how the only person coming into this season motivated and inspired was steph, even tho Dray n KD both wanted defensive POTY. Cousins is going to be that playmaker for the bench and that can make guys around him better n motivated, similar to draymond but klay n kd are juts playing the gunner positions, lookin like melo out there

They don't really give me access to managing any accounts. It says $2 pledge lifetime support of $16. If you had to change payment methods it takes a few days sometimes depending on your bank.

Athletic Alchemy

Wtf is up with Patreon I’m trying to pledge and it says it’s going through but all your videos are locked 😒😒😒

This really feels like the slog that was the end of the last regular season - my optimism is telling me that somehow after steph's back, this warriors team can pull of something crazy like 20 wins in a row... but gotta get steph back first! He's become more needed than ever right now.

Good point. Rest of team is looking out for their chef! Gonna get Steph that 3rd MVP no matter what it takes!

Why do we look like such a trash team without Curry but Curry can’t even get in the MVP discussion

Kahlil Baker