So now it’s official. Not only can the Golden State Warriors lose this season, they can even lose at home.
Boston pulled off the surprise Friday night, going into Oracle Arena and stunning the reigning NBA champions 109-106. Even with the loss, Golden State – still 68-8 this season – remains on pace to top the 72-10 mark set by the Chicago Bulls in the 1995-96 season for the best record in NBA history.
It was Golden State’s first loss in its last 55 home regular-season games.
“It takes a lot out of you,” Warriors Coach Steve Kerr said, “especially when every game is the other team’s biggest game. People are coming after us.”
There are some factors to take into account, of course. The Warriors are still without Andre Iguodala because of an ankle injury, and lost center Andrew Bogut in the second half Friday with a rib injury. And Friday’s game was Golden State’s 24th in 42 days since the All-Star break. So it’s a safe bet fatigue entered the equation as well.
Still, there are trends from the eight losses that might serve as a blueprint for those teams trying to beat the Warriors in the postseason.
CHECKING KLAY: In the Warriors’ losses, Stephen Curry (who has played in seven of them, sitting out the other with injury) has been his typical MVP-level self. He’s averaged 28 points, 5.7 assists and 5.6 rebounds in the games where he’s played and Golden State has been beaten.
So obviously, he’s not exactly getting shut down.
But keeping the other “Splash Brother” in check has proved vital to opponents.
In the Warriors’ eight losses, Klay Thompson is shooting 39 percent, 23 percent from 3-point range.
In Golden State’s wins, of which he’s appeared in 66, Thompson is shooting 48 percent, 45 percent from 3-point range.
Thompson’s line in the loss to Boston: 6 for 16 from the floor.
DON’T LET THEM GET AWAY: When the Warriors get a double-digit lead, they win.
That’s automatic, at least this season. There have been 63 in which the Warriors led by 10 points or more. They’re 63-0 in those games.
On Friday, Boston’s biggest deficit was midway through the second quarter when it trailed by seven points.
OFF NIGHTS (ALMOST) REQUIRED: Boston did what almost no one has this season. The Celtics beat Golden State on a night when the Warriors weren’t having what could be described as an “off” shooting night.
The Warriors made 46 percent of their shots. Going into the game, Golden State was 56-1 this season when shooting that well from the floor.
WIN THE HALF: Getting the halftime lead has been a prerequisite to beating the Warriors.
Boston was up only 45-43. Golden State is 60-0 when leading at halftime. When the Warriors trail at the break, they are a mere 8-8.
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