Grading Warriors Players Following Their Depleted Team’s 96-108 Loss to the Pacers
The Golden State Warriors have been a dominant force in the NBA over the past decade, but their most recent loss to the Indiana Pacers (96-108) highlighted the struggles of a depleted roster. With key players missing, the Warriors were unable to overcome the Pacers’ cohesive team play and strong individual performances. In this piece, we will evaluate and grade the performances of the Warriors players during this tough loss, focusing on how each individual contributed given the challenging circumstances.
1. Stephen Curry – Grade: B+
Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ star, did his best to carry the team in this game, scoring 27 points and adding 7 assists. Curry had a strong first half, where he managed to keep the Warriors within striking distance, often showcasing his trademark long-range shooting and playmaking abilities. However, he struggled with efficiency, shooting 9-of-21 from the field (including 4-of-11 from three). Curry was aggressive, but the Pacers’ defense, particularly their perimeter defense, made it difficult for him to create open looks.
Despite his efforts, Curry could not do it all on his own, particularly when the Pacers ramped up their defensive intensity. His shooting percentages were below his usual high standards, but his effort remained constant. Curry’s leadership was evident in the way he commanded the offense and tried to rally the team, but with so many of his teammates struggling, the team couldn’t mount a sustained challenge.
2. Klay Thompson – Grade: C+
Klay Thompson had an underwhelming performance in this game, finishing with 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting. While Thompson’s shot volume was high, his efficiency was noticeably low. He was 3-of-10 from beyond the arc, and a lot of his looks were contested. Thompson struggled to find any rhythm offensively, and his shooting slumps are becoming a more concerning trend, especially with key players missing from the roster.
Defensively, Thompson was solid, but the lack of offensive output hindered his overall impact. He still displayed his usual defensive tenacity, but the team’s need for him to step up as a scoring option was clear, and he couldn’t deliver in that regard. His performance didn’t live up to his potential, especially in a game where the Warriors needed him to shoulder a larger portion of the scoring load.
3. Draymond Green – Grade: B
Draymond Green continues to serve as the Warriors’ emotional and defensive leader, but his offensive contributions were limited in this game. Green finished with 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists, showcasing his versatility and playmaking skills. He was active on the glass and contributed as a secondary ball handler, trying to facilitate the offense when Curry wasn’t on the ball.
Green’s impact on defense was where he made the most noise. His ability to switch onto multiple positions and provide help defense was key in preventing the Pacers from taking full control. However, offensively, Green’s limitations in scoring, particularly when the Warriors needed a spark, became apparent. He was hesitant at times, and his shooting (3-of-9 from the field) didn’t help provide the offensive punch the team needed to stay competitive.
4. Kevon Looney – Grade: B-
Kevon Looney’s performance was solid in the role he’s carved out for the Warriors, but the absence of other key players required him to play a larger role than usual. Looney grabbed 11 rebounds, a team-high, and provided some interior presence. However, his offensive contributions were minimal, as he scored just 2 points on 1-of-3 shooting. Looney’s primary function was to be a reliable presence on the boards and as a screen-setter, and he delivered on those fronts.
The Warriors missed more of Looney’s rebounding and interior defense when he was off the floor. His lack of offensive contributions, however, hurt the Warriors’ ability to spread the floor and create easy baskets, especially when they struggled to get their shooting going. Nevertheless, Looney’s hustle was evident, and he worked hard to secure extra possessions for his team.
5. Chris Paul – Grade: B
Chris Paul, starting in the backcourt for the Warriors in place of the injured players, contributed 6 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. He did his best to organize the offense, but like Curry, he faced tough defensive pressure from the Pacers. Paul was efficient in his playmaking but wasn’t able to find his scoring rhythm. His 2-of-6 shooting line is a testament to how the Pacers were able to disrupt his offensive flow.
While Paul’s impact wasn’t as evident in the scoring column, his leadership and basketball IQ were on display. He orchestrated the offense effectively at times, although the Warriors’ shooting struggles were difficult to overcome. He was also solid defensively, providing a veteran presence on the floor, but ultimately, he couldn’t lift the team in the absence of more scoring support.
6. Moses Moody – Grade: C
Moses Moody had a tough night, scoring 4 points on 2-of-7 shooting. His ability to be a secondary scorer for the Warriors was called into question in this game, and he struggled to capitalize on opportunities. Moody had a couple of open looks from three but couldn’t convert, finishing the game just 0-of-3 from deep. He had a couple of solid defensive possessions, but his overall contributions were limited.
Moody’s inconsistency has been a problem for the Warriors this season, and games like this one show how difficult it is for him to step up when the team is shorthanded. In a game where the team needed others to contribute more offensively, Moody’s struggles were felt, and his inability to produce hurt the team’s chances of a comeback.
7. Jonathan Kuminga – Grade: C
Jonathan Kuminga, like Moody, was thrust into a larger role due to the Warriors’ depleted roster, but he wasn’t able to make a significant impact. Kuminga finished with just 6 points on 3-of-9 shooting. He displayed some of his athleticism, particularly with a couple of strong drives to the basket, but his decision-making and shot selection were inconsistent. The Pacers defense did a good job of containing his drives and limiting his effectiveness on the offensive end.
Defensively, Kuminga showed flashes of potential but struggled with fouls and defensive lapses at times. In a game where the Warriors were desperately in need of offensive spark, Kuminga’s inability to deliver was a missed opportunity. His performance was a reminder of how much growth he still needs to undergo to become a more reliable contributor.
8. Gary Payton II – Grade: C
Gary Payton II’s performance was limited, playing only 15 minutes and finishing with 3 points on 1-of-3 shooting. Payton’s biggest contribution came defensively, where he was tasked with guarding multiple positions, but his limited minutes and lack of offensive production prevented him from being a major factor. He had a couple of nice steals and showed his usual energy on defense, but his offensive game couldn’t make up for the Warriors’ lack of scoring.
In a game like this, Payton’s defensive prowess was important, but he couldn’t compensate for the lack of offensive firepower. His grade reflects his impact being contained to the defensive end, where his contributions were not enough to change the course of the game.
