The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

ENTRENCHED in the fictional world of one of the largest television shows going today - Game of Thrones - there exists this notion that no person, notwithstanding their power, riches or brilliance is safe.

That’s a concept the NBA champions Golden State Warriors ought to adopt.

In an effort not to overreact to their stunning loss to the lowly Los Angeles Lakers as some of my media counterparts have already done, I will focus on the on-the-court repercussions of the latter.

Despite their cleverly-layered offence and their sporadic but effective defence, the Warriors do have a number of flaws that have hinted at a roadmap to their defeat.

Guard Play

FOR all their promise and skill on the offensive end, the Splash Brothers’ defensive ineptitude can no longer be overlooked.

Do you recall all of those ankle injuries suffered by Stephen Curry? Yes, those ankle injuries, they’ve left the best shooter in the league incapable of chasing opposing point guards on or off the ball.

In Sunday’s matchup against the Lakers, Steph was so physically wounded and mentally exhausted with having to chase first-year guard Deangelo Russell that he could only muster the energy to put up 18-points.

I agree, 18-points isn’t a bad outing on the NBA stage, but look closer. Curry shot six for 20, at that, one for 10 from Steph range (three-point range). His field goal percentage - second lowest of the year. His three-point percentage - the lowest of the year.

Strangely enough, what ails him seems to be the skill set that best describes, well, him - fast guards with the ability to handle the ball with either hand.

A deeper look at the Warriors’ play this season shows that teams with offensive guards at both the point and shooting spots can cause the Warriors issues.

In four of the Warriors’ six losses this season, opposing guards touted team highs. In fact, in three of the six losses, opposing guard tandems outscored the Splash Brothers - Trailblazers, Lakers and Mavericks (no Steph Curry).

The devil, well in this case the defence, is in the details.

To bring this article full circle, I think it would be best served to end with a Game of Thrones reference - The Playoffs are Coming!