Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from Game 5 stunner vs. Clippers

1. Poor defensive showing

Golden State has struggled at times with its effort level all season long, especially at the defensive end. In a Game 5 at home with the chance to advance, the Dubs likely thought the Clippers would roll over and bow out once and for all.

Clearly, the Warriors still haven’t figured out how L.A. operates, and it burned them quite badly in defeat. They allowed the Clips to shoot a ridiculous 54.1 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from beyond the arc on 38 attempts.

The Clippers got whatever they wanted in the paint, scoring 54 points. It was that level of aggression that also helped them get to the line 26 times, missing only twice. The Dubs were fantastic in only turning the ball over eight times, but their defensive intensity was lackadaisical enough to allow L.A. to only 10 of its own.

The Warriors had been so good all series long in holding L.A.’s second-leading scorer, Danilo Gallinari, at bay with just 16.0 points on 29.7 percent shooting in the previous four games. Then they let him explode for 26 points while Lou Williams put in 33 points and 10 assists.

If Golden State hopes to avoid a Game 7, it will have to take out its division rivals on their own home court. Aside from the traditional struggles such an effort takes against this never-quit Clippers team, attempting to do so in front of their home crowd will require laser focus defensively.

The Dubs came out thinking they had taken the heart out of Los Angeles with consecutive road victories. Now, they must re-ignite the fire at the defensive end with communication and activity in order to seal the deal for good.