Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Clippers

2. Turnovers remain a major issue

Complacency and Lou Williams were the Warriors’ biggest problems Monday night, but right near the top of the list was a problem that was all too present in Game 1 as well: turnovers.

In Game 1, the Dubs committed 21 turnovers — more than they did in all but one game during the regular season. Those mistakes led to 22 Clippers points, but didn’t really draw much attention since they came in a 17-point rout. It was smoother sailing in the first half of Game 2, as the Warriors only committed six turnovers en route to a 23-point halftime lead.

Bad habits came roaring back in the second half, however, as they coughed the ball up another 16 times over the final 24 minutes, giving them 22 for the game. Kevin Durant committed nine. Draymond Green and Steph Curry added four apiece, with one pickpocket from Patrick Beverley being the chill that sent a very mortal shiver down the Warriors’ spine:

They actually outscored the Clippers 34-17 in points off turnovers in Game 2, but those lost possessions wound up mattering when an additional bucket or two may have prevented such a historic collapse.

Again, the Warriors are fine in this series. There’s a good chance they use this meltdown as fuel, and this thing is over in five games. But they’re not immortal or immune, as Game 2 proved. The defending champs remain their biggest obstacle to another championship run, and in order to clear their own hurdle, the Dubs have to take better care of the basketball.