Warriors win the turnover battle but lose the contest vs Suns

A rare statistical occurence during the Steve Kerr-era strikes the Dubs tonight.

One thing the Golden State Warriors know they have to do is keep turnovers to a minimum. That’s why I’m pretty shocked they lost to the Phoenix Suns 113-105 despite committing only nine turnovers.

Why? Because prior to tonight’s game, in the Steve Kerr era there’s been 53 times when the Dubs had nine turnovers or less. Over this time span over the last 10 years, they compiled a 37-16 record, a winning percentage of just under 70%.

• In 2023-2024, the Dubs were 7-3 in such games.
• In 2015-2016, they went an undefeated 9-0.
• Interestingly enough, during the snakebitten 2019-2020 season, they went 1-8 in such games.

For nearly a decade, the Kerr-led Golden State Warriors have dazzled the basketball world with their beautiful game. I mean the fluid ball movement, the unselfish passing, the otherworldly shooting this team has been basketball nirvana. But behind the highlights and banners lies a glaring flaw that has consistently haunted them: turnovers.

Yes, turnovers. The Dubs under Coach Kerr have always walked a tightrope between breathtaking brilliance and maddening carelessness. Their commitment to playing fast and free is both their superpower and their kryptonite. Sometimes when the Warriors start flinging the ball around like it’s a hot potato, their offense gets bogged down by mistakes that the other team capitalizes on with transition opportunies. Those easy buckets neutralizes Golden State’s otherwise excellent defense.

Real momentum killers, eh?

So yeah, losing a game where they actually take premium care of the ball is one of those statistical outliers that makes this L doubly sting. One more stat to consider as you lay your head on the pillow tonight: in the last ten years, when the Warriors have 9 or less turnovers and their opponents have 10 or more more, Golden State is32-14.

Tonight, Phoenix had 12. SMH!