Mojo’s back after perfect trip
OAKLAND >> The Warriors left Oakland worried about complacency, consistency and when the NBA championship hangover would end. Nearly 11 days later, they returned to Oakland invigorated from an undefeated six-game trip filled with an unstoppable Kevin Durant, a more reliable bench and a unit capable of absorbing Stephen Curry’s absence.
The Warriors (21-6) enjoyed a day off on Saturday after accomplishing something historic. They became only the 11th team in NBA history to go undefeated during a six-game trip, including the Los Angeles Lakers (2008-09, 1999-2000), Dallas (200607), Sacramento (2001-02), Miami (1996-97), Utah (1994-95), Chicago (199192), Portland (1990-91), Milwaukee (1984-85) and Philadelphia (1984-85).
The Warriors outscored opponents by an average of 13 points. And they managed to do so despite losing Curry for the last two games because of a sprained right ankle that will keep him sidelined for at least another week.
“We’re just steadying the ship and starting to get our season legs under us,” forward David West said. “We’re working through some things. We still haven’t figured everything out in terms of execution and looks. But we’re good enough to win games even when we’re not executing things as well as we can.”
That execution has become much sharper than when the Warriors began their six-game trip.
It started with a performance that mirrored a Hollywood blockbuster that put a heavy emphasis on style over substance. The Warriors committed 22 turnovers against the Lakers — a performance that Golden State coach Steve Kerr found “absolutely galling.”
Curry also shot 6 of 17 in regulation as he endured pain from of an injured right middle finger. The Warriors only prevailed in overtime with Curry and Durant unleashing their talent and experience over a young Lakers team.
“We just didn’t have any energy,” Durant said. “We end up winning that game, but we can’t play that way if we want to be a championship team.”
The Warriors believe they showcased more of a championship identity after that with double-digit victories in Orlando and Miami. They overcame a 20-point deficit against New Orleans. And in the past two games in Charlotte and Detroit, they absorbed Curry’s absence.
Durant (28 points on 50.7 percent shooting, 7.8 assists), Klay Thompson (21.8 points on 58.1 percent shooting) and Green (10.4 points on 46.3 percent shooting, 7.4 rebounds) remained dependable as usual. The Warriors’ reserves also averaged a combined 34.2 points, while outscoring their opponents’ benches by an average of 14 points in the past five contests.
“With Steph out the last two games, I think him being out actually helped us focus. We knew we had to play sharper,” Kerr said.
“It’s more methodical. We have to play a little bit differently. We have to execute. We don’t have him out there to go crazy and have seven straight 3’s and have us pull away. It’s a different style, but it’s one we can play.”
And it is a style the Warriors can play under more pleasant circumstances.
After logging a leagueleading 16 road games, the Warriors will play two games in the next nine days, beginning on Monday against Portland (1311) at Oracle Arena.
“That’s exciting,” Green said. “That’s very exciting.”
The Warriors will also play nine of their next 10 games at Oracle Arena. Their lone road game takes place in Los Angeles on Dec. 18 against the Lakers. The Warriors will not leave California until they play in Dallas on Jan. 3.
The Warriors also believe they will get healthier.
Curry will be evaluated in a week. Center Zaza Pachulia might heal from a sore left shoulder that has kept him out on Friday against Detroit. And guard Patrick McCaw might progress with the NBA’s concussion protocol after sitting out the past two contests.