Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Rewind: Warriors sacrifice short term with hope for future gain
Share This Post
Comments
Friday, January 16, 2015 - 10:00pm
Follow @MontePooleCSN

The Warriors saw their eight-game win streak die Friday night in Oklahoma City. It could be, and will be, argued they invited defeat.

The temptation will be to second-guess coach Steve Kerr, who decided to rest center Andrew Bogut and forward Andre Iguodala for no other reason than having "old" legs as the Warriors confront an unforgiving portion of the schedule.

Resist the temptation. Resting Bogut and Iguodala was the right move.

The Warriors' 127-115 loss to the Thunder was a matter of being pushed off the Chesapeake Energy Arena floor by team that was friskier and consistently more assertive.

"We knew they were going to come after us," Kerr said. "They needed this win and they deserved it."

[RECAP: Short-handed Warriors fall to Thunder in OKC]

The Warriors, with Bogut and Iguodala, surely would have played better defense and might have won the game. They scrapped, staying close until the final minutes.

"We were missing two great players in our lineup," said Klay Thompson, who finished with a team-high 32 points. "But that's no excuse.

"I'm not disappointed with our effort. Our focus just wasn't what it was these last eight games, when we were winning."

Eight wins in a row is a point of pride. But Kerr is a rookie coach with a playoff team, so he's trying to manage a season. With the Warriors (31-6) holding the best record record in the NBA, postseason anticipation becomes part of the equation.

Kerr realizes his team might be good enough to win it all, so he's wise to keep part of his mind on today while also preparing for tomorrows that could last into June.

The Warriors likely won't get to June unless Bogut and Iguodala are along for the ride. And they certainly would have a more difficult time winning a championship if Bogut and Iguodala are not healthy and available.

This was about a long-term strategy, which is not to suggest that Kerr was waving the white flag before tip-off.

"I didn't come into this game conceding," the coach said. "I feel we can win no matter who's out there. It's important for our team to understand they've got to perform and execute, no matter what the combination is out there. No matter who's in, or who's out. That's what makes our team very strong, our depth. And that has to continue throughout the season for us to be in the best possible shape."

The Warriors already had won the season series against the Thunder (19-20). And they knew OKC, pumped by its boisterous home crowd, would be out for redemption after a lethargic performance Thursday night in Houston.

"They came out with a lot of energy and, obviously, with Bogues and Andre out we had to change our rotations and figure out a way to win," said Stephen Curry, who finished with 19 points, six assists. "We played well. They just played better."

THE GOOD

Klay Thompson, seven stitches removed from his forehead, brought his game to the plains. He finished with 32 points, on 12-of-22 shooting, and was a primary reason the Warriors were as competitive as they were.

Marreese Speights, starting in place of Bogut, was solid, delivering 20 points (9-of-16 shooting), seven rebounds and four assists.

THE BAD

The Warriors gave up season highs in points, field goals (51), field-goal percentage (52.6) and points in the paint (58).

The Warriors also were pummeled on the glass, outrebounded 54-43. OKC grabbed 16 offensive rebounds, contributing to 17 second-chance points.

The Warriors committed 14 turnovers, off which the Thunder scored 20 points. Curry alone committed six giveaways, a total he has exceeded only twice this season.

Neither Justin Holiday nor Leandro Barbosa provided any punch off the bench. They combined for 6 points on 1-of-12 shooting.

[VIDEO: Highlights: Hot-shooting Thunder hand Warriors sixth loss of season]

THE TAKE

The Warriors lost one game. One. It ended their third win streak of five games or more. If there is a team that can afford a one-game setback when 45 games remain, it is the Warriors.

They were outplayed in most every aspect. That might have been the case with Bogut and Iguodala on the floor. Keeping them off made things tougher for the Warriors. But it's a short-term sacrifice to improve the possibility of long-term gain.

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Curry: '37 in a quarter is unbelievable, thought I'd never see that'
Shot of the Game: Curry lobs up to Thompson for one-hand slam
McLemore: Klay 'was just in a zone'
Highlights: Thompson drops 52 in win over Kings

Giants

Mr. Cub: Ernie Banks did it his way
Selig says MLB could expand internationally
Report: Giants among teams with 'strong interest' in Olivera
Giants bring back Bowker, Hicks on minor league deals
Read More

Athletics

Former A's LHP Milone had benign neck tumor removed
A's expect arbitration hearings for Clippard, Parker
Doolittle has rotator cuff tear, to miss start of season
Profile rising for A's first base prospect Matt Olson
Read More

Sharks

Sharks' Burns drafted by 'Team Foligno' for All-Star game
Rewind: Sharks jolted back to life in 4-2 win over Kings
Instant Replay: Sharks put together complete effort in win over Kings
Sharks' Metallica night 'makes sense,' says frontman Hetfield
Read More

49ers

Report: Gordon failed drug test; Browns 'disappointed'
Ballghazi, Super Bowl perfect end to forgettable NFL season
Lane Kiffin to return to Alabama for second year
49ers GM Baalke talks talent evaluating at Senior Bowl
Read More

Raiders

Report: Raiders to interview Bills' Moore as WR coach
Belichick: Patriots 'followed every rule' on footballs
Tim Brown longs for end of 'gut-wrenching' HOF induction process
McFadden picking Seahawks over Pats to win Super Bowl XLIX
Read More

Warriors

Klay's big night for Warriors reverberates
LIVE: Celtics vs. Warriors
NBA Gameday: Warriors heavy favorites vs. rebuilding Celtics
Magic: Klay, LeBron 'two best all-around players' in NBA
Read More

NCAA

Duke's Krzyzewski first D-1 men's coach to reach 1,000 wins
Brown, Randle, Nastic power Stanford past Arizona State
Santa Clara holds on to beat Pepperdine 60-57
Cal overwhelmed by Johnson, No. 7 Arizona
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Amy G
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Mr. Cub: Ernie Banks did it his way
(1)
CSNChicago.com

GIANTS VIDEO

YSTL: Why would Sandoval not want to hear Giants final offer?
YSTL: Why would Sandoval not want to hear Giants final offer?
See more >

More Stories

Giants bring back Bowker, Hicks on minor league deals
(8)
Vogelsong 'wasn't comfortable' during Astros visit
(5)
See more >
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Former A's LHP Milone had benign neck tumor removed
(1)
CSN Bay Area staff

A's VIDEO

YSTL: Former A's 3B Eric Chavez reflects on decision to retire
YSTL: Former A's 3B Eric Chavez reflects on decision to retire
See more >

A's INSIDER

  • A's expect arbitration hearings for Clippard, Parker
  • Doolittle has rotator cuff tear, to miss start of season
  • Profile rising for A's first base prospect Matt Olson
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Sharks' Burns drafted by 'Team Foligno' for All-Star game
(1)
CSN Bay Area staff

SHARKS VIDEO

Sharks head into All-Star break on high note
Sharks head into All-Star break on high note
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Rewind: Sharks jolted back to life in 4-2 win over Kings
  • Instant Replay: Sharks put together complete effort in win over Kings
  • Sharks' Metallica night 'makes sense,' says frontman Hetfield
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Klay's big night for Warriors reverberates
Monte Poole

WARRIORS VIDEO

Curry: '37 in a quarter is unbelievable, thought I'd never see that'
Curry: '37 in a quarter is unbelievable, thought I'd never see that'
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider Bill Herenda
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Channel locations

Latest News

Ranadive says Obama behind Kings' Cousins as All-Star
Bill Herenda

Kings Video

McLemore: Klay 'was just in a zone'
McLemore: Klay 'was just in a zone'
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

Report: Gordon failed drug test; Browns 'disappointed'
(6)
Associated Press

49ers VIDEO

Who are 49ers realistic candidates for defensive, offensive coordinators?
Who are 49ers realistic candidates for defensive, offensive coordinators?
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • 49ers ranked 23rd in special teams in Seely's final year
  • 49ers keeping an eye on Chudzinski?
  • 49ers' Tomsula can lean on staff members' experience
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Report: Raiders to interview Bills' Moore as WR coach
(5)
CSN Bay Area staff

RAIDERS VIDEO

YSTL: Will Deflate-gate ruin Tom Brady's legacy?
YSTL: Will Deflate-gate ruin Tom Brady's legacy?
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Tim Brown longs for end of 'gut-wrenching' HOF induction process
  • Raiders coaching staff at a glance: DC spot remains open
  • Raiders name Sunseri, three other assistant coaches
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Hope Solo suspended for 30 days from US national team
(3)
Associated Press

Quakes Video

Wondolowski reflects on his World Cup experience
Wondolowski reflects on his World Cup experience
See more >

Shop

JOE STIGLICH

A's expect arbitration hearings for Clippard, Parker
(1)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

49ers ranked 23rd in special teams in Seely's final year
(44)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Tim Brown longs for end of 'gut-wrenching' HOF induction process
(10)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Klay's big night for Warriors reverberates
See more >

BILL HERENDA

Ranadive says Obama behind Kings' Cousins as All-Star
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Rewind: Sharks jolted back to life in 4-2 win over Kings
(6)
See more >

RAY RATTO

Ballghazi, Super Bowl perfect end to forgettable NFL season

ALL-STAR TEACHER

Nominate your favorite All-Star Teacher today!

SATURDAY NIGHT ON ICE SHARKS POSTER!

more

Click here to find out how to win a Sharks collectors edition poster!

AUTHENTIC FAN THURSDAY

Click here to buy your Sharks tickets in the Authentic Fan Thursday section!



NCAA

Waldow leads Saint Mary's over Portland on road
Cal overwhelmed by Johnson, No. 7 Arizona

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • GolfChannel.com
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Curry: '37 in a quarter is unbelievable, thought I'd never see that'
Curry: '37 in a quarter is unbelievable, thought I'd never see that'
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Carpool Confessions
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Humm BB
  • Bullshootin'

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo SportsTalk Live

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • Bill Herenda - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California