Housewarming party spoiled as Golden State Warriors rocked by LA Clippers
The opening of the Chase Center wasn’t enough to help the Golden State Warriors avoid an eye-opening defeat to start the 2019-20 season.
Much has been made of the roster restriction done by the Golden State Warriors over the offseason. After so much negative chatter for the five-time defending Western Conference champs, those still present were no doubt eager to make a statement on opening night.
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The Dubs certainly made a statement, but it couldn’t have been the one they wanted. In the regular season christening of the Chase Center, the Warriors came out flat and never recovered, ultimately taking a loss at the hands of the LA Clippers by the final score of 141-122.
Golden State got down 14-0 early in the opening frame and never had the lead. Expectations for Stephen Curry were sky-high as a one-man show, but LA’s suffocating defense held him to 8-of-20 shooting and eight turnovers to go along with his 23 points.
Draymond Green suffered an early forearm injury that limited him to 11 points, four rebounds and four assists. D’Angelo Russell went on a personal 10-0 run to get the Warriors on the scoreboard, finishing his debut with an encouraging 20 points and eight assists.
It was an embarrassing defeat for a squad with the highest of standards, but it won’t be the norm throughout the season. The Warriors have too much pride and not every opponent boasts LA’s level of talent
Like any team following a blowout loss, the Dubs will head back to the drawing board in pursuit of any adjustments that can help them right the ship after some early turbulence.