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5 Lessons From Warriors’ First Home Loss

By Gerald Bourguet

April 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23, left) and guard Stephen Curry (30) look on against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Celtics defeated the Warriors 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23, left) and guard Stephen Curry (30) look on against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Celtics defeated the Warriors 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Golden State Warriors
April 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) shoots the basketball against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Making History Is Hard

If there’s one takeaway to be had from that stunning loss, it’s that making NBA history is hard to do. There’s a reason the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ 72-10 record has stood for so long. Over the course of an 82-game season, the fatigue, injuries and sheer amount of competition on a nightly basis has made it damn near impossible for many a great team to reach that all-time mark.

The Warriors have a good chance of reaching 72 or 73 wins, especially if Bogut doesn’t miss much time and if Iguodala and Ezeli return soon. But with the focus being on winning another championship, Golden State’s pursuit of regular season records may directly conflict with those aspirations down the stretch, especially if the Dubs are able to secure the No. 1 seed with time to spare.

At this point in the season, the Warriors should be playing it safe, but their pursuit of history and the added pressure of the Spurs still being in contention for the top seed has them pushing hard now more than ever.

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In normal years, a 73-win pace would be more than enough to lock up the top seed with only a few weeks left in the season. No such luck for the Dubs, who will have to straddle the line between capping off a historic season, securing the No. 1 seed, resting for the postseason and getting everyone healthy for another championship run.

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