The Warriors have been able to hold it down at home. But the road has been an entirely different story.
At 2-2 in this preseason, the Warriors’ two losses on the road have shown potholes in their defensive schemes. In their last game versus Portland, the Warriors rebounded better but their perimeter defense allowed Portland’s second and third units easy looks (which they knocked down).
The Warriors return to the Oracle tonight to take on the Trail Blazers yet again, but which Warriors will show up: The overmatched and outhustled team on the road or the dominant squad at home with the disciplined defense?
Stephen Curry had a monster game, which was tempered by his 8 turnovers. David Lee also had an effective game with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. Brandan Wright received some minutes and produced 11 points and 6 boards. Clearly the Warriors are going through some growing pains as they work on their defense and work on their chemistry.
With Louis Amundson out with a dislocated finger requiring surgery, expect Wright to get more meaningful minutes. Wright is still shaking off his rust, but needs to capitalize on these opportunities. More importantly, it seems that Wright was extremely efficient from the field, 5-6.
But more importantly, will Jeremy Lin get off the bench this game and play some meaningful minutes during prime time?