Grading Warriors Players Following Heartbreaking Raptors Loss 101-104

The Golden State Warriors, one of the most successful teams in the NBA over the past decade, found themselves in a tough battle on the road against the Toronto Raptors, coming up just short in a heartbreaking 101-104 loss. Despite a valiant effort from several players, a combination of missed opportunities, turnovers, and critical moments that didn’t go their way ultimately resulted in a loss. This game showcased both the brilliance and the flaws of the Warriors, leaving many to question what went wrong and how they could improve moving forward.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the performances of individual Warriors players in this loss, providing grades and analysis for each of them. We’ll break down their contributions on both sides of the ball and examine how their play impacted the game as a whole.

1. Stephen Curry – Grade: A-

As always, Stephen Curry was the driving force behind the Warriors’ offense. Despite the tough loss, Curry put on a spectacular individual performance, scoring 34 points on 11-of-23 shooting (47.8%) and 4-of-8 from three-point range. He also added 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal, showing his usual offensive versatility.

Curry’s ability to hit tough shots and create opportunities for his teammates was on full display. However, the key moment came in the final minutes, where a couple of costly turnovers, coupled with some missed shots in critical moments, prevented the Warriors from completing a comeback. Curry also missed a potential game-tying three-pointer in the dying seconds, which sealed the defeat.

Still, it’s hard to fault Curry for the loss. He was aggressive throughout and kept the Warriors in the game with his shooting and playmaking. While his turnovers were problematic, it’s difficult to overstate how important Curry is to this team. If he had received more help from his supporting cast, the outcome might have been different.

2. Klay Thompson – Grade: B

Klay Thompson had an up-and-down game, finishing with 18 points on 7-of-17 shooting (41.2%) and 2-of-8 from three-point range. He also added 3 rebounds and 1 assist. On the positive side, Thompson’s scoring kept the Warriors in the game, particularly in the first half when Curry was being closely guarded. Klay had moments of brilliance, including some quick-fire shots that kept the Raptors’ defense on edge.

However, Thompson also had some tough stretches. His shooting was inconsistent, and he missed several open three-pointers that could have swung the game in Golden State’s favor. In addition, Klay struggled to make an impact on defense at times, as he found it difficult to keep up with the Raptors’ quick guards. His lack of involvement in creating plays for others also stood out, as the Warriors needed more offensive flow to sustain their efforts.

Thompson’s performance was solid but far from spectacular. He did what was expected of him, but the inconsistencies were frustrating, especially in a game of this magnitude.

3. Draymond Green – Grade: B+

Draymond Green continues to be the backbone of the Warriors’ defense and provides leadership on both ends of the floor. In this game, Green finished with 9 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals. He was effective in his usual role as a connector, setting screens, facilitating offense, and guarding multiple positions.

His defense was stellar as usual, especially when he was matched up against Pascal Siakam and other Raptors’ key players. Green’s versatility allowed him to switch onto different players and contest shots while also being a disruptor in passing lanes. His hustle was evident, and he did a good job of keeping the Warriors competitive with his presence on defense.

However, Green’s offensive struggles were a problem. While his playmaking was effective, he missed several open shots and free throws that could have been crucial in keeping the game close. Green’s lack of scoring at times has been a recurring issue this season, and it was certainly noticeable in this game. In a close contest like this, every possession matters, and Green’s inability to convert on offense cost the Warriors in key moments.

4. Andrew Wiggins – Grade: C

Andrew Wiggins had a tough game, finishing with just 8 points on 3-of-10 shooting (30%) and 1-of-5 from three-point range. He also grabbed 4 rebounds and contributed 2 assists, but his impact was muted for much of the contest. Wiggins struggled to create offense, and his shooting woes were frustrating for the team. He was often passive, choosing not to be aggressive in taking shots or attacking the basket.

Defensively, Wiggins was solid but not extraordinary. He had moments of good defense, especially when matched up against Toronto’s wing players, but he didn’t make enough of an impact on the game. The Warriors need more from Wiggins, especially in big games like this, where they rely on him to be a two-way contributor.

Wiggins’ inconsistency has been a theme in his Warriors tenure, and it was evident again in this loss. While he didn’t cost the team the game, his lack of scoring and aggressiveness made it more difficult for the Warriors to compete.

5. Kevon Looney – Grade: A

Kevon Looney played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ effort, contributing 10 points, 14 rebounds, and 1 assist in 33 minutes of action. Looney’s ability to crash the boards and secure second-chance opportunities was crucial, as the Warriors struggled to maintain possession at times. His offensive rebounding kept possessions alive, and he was a constant presence around the basket.

Defensively, Looney was solid, doing his best to guard Raptors bigs like Jakob Poeltl and keeping them from establishing position in the paint. While he doesn’t provide the same offensive flair as others on the team, Looney’s value lies in the little things: boxing out, setting screens, and grabbing important boards. He also made some crucial putbacks that helped the Warriors stay within striking distance.

Looney’s performance may not have been flashy, but his contributions were incredibly important in a game where every possession mattered. He was one of the few Warriors players who consistently delivered in their role.

6. Moses Moody – Grade: C+

Moses Moody didn’t have much of an impact in this game, scoring just 5 points on 2-of-5 shooting in 18 minutes of play. While Moody has shown promise in the past, this performance was relatively quiet. He did contribute 2 rebounds and 1 assist but didn’t offer much defensively or offensively when he was on the floor. Moody’s inconsistency remains a concern, as the Warriors need more depth from their bench players to step up in crucial moments.

Moody had a few flashes where he looked like he could be a difference-maker, but he didn’t take enough initiative to assert himself. As the Warriors’ bench has often struggled to provide consistent production, Moody’s performance was another example of the bench failing to meet expectations.

7. Gary Payton II – Grade: B

Gary Payton II brought his usual energy and defensive tenacity off the bench. While he scored just 3 points, his defensive effort was key in containing the Raptors’ perimeter players. Payton’s relentless guarding and ability to disrupt passing lanes helped the Warriors create some turnovers and force the Raptors into difficult shots.

While Payton’s offense was limited, his defense kept him in the game, and he was an important player in slowing down Toronto’s faster guards. The Warriors rely on Payton to be a spark plug off the bench, and although his offensive game didn’t contribute much in this one, his defensive prowess remained evident.

8. Chris Paul – Grade: C

Chris Paul’s role with the Warriors has been an evolving one, and his performance in this game was a bit underwhelming. He finished with just 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists on 2-of-6 shooting in 22 minutes. Paul’s playmaking ability was helpful in some stretches, but his scoring was non-existent, and he was unable to make a significant impact on the game when it mattered most.

Paul’s experience and leadership are invaluable for the Warriors, but in a tight game like this, they needed more from him. His shooting struggles have been a consistent issue this season, and in a game like this, Paul’s inability to step up and hit key shots cost the Warriors at times.

Final Thoughts:

While the Golden State Warriors put up a strong fight in Toronto, ultimately their inability to execute in clutch moments and inconsistency from some of their key players contributed to their heartbreaking 101-104 loss. Curry’s brilliance, Green’s defense, and Looney’s rebounding were bright spots, but the team’s collective offensive struggles, poor shooting from the perimeter, and missed opportunities in critical situations were too much to overcome.

The Warriors are still a formidable team, but their championship aspirations rely on more consistent performances from players like Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Chris Paul. As the season progresses, they will need to clean up these inconsistencies and find more ways to contribute as a team.

In the end, the loss to the Raptors was a hard one to swallow, but it also highlighted both the strengths and the areas where the Warriors still need to improve. The grade breakdown for each player gives a snapshot of where the team stands and where they need to go to become more complete and championship-ready.