Turnovers Still a Problem
After the first pre-season game Steve Kerr said “we’re just flinging the ball around and turning it over, and our guys are going to have to make that adjustment. Otherwise, we’re still going to be doing the same old thing and playing some great games and some poor ones and not taking that next step.” Thee weeks later, after Tuesday night’s pre-season game Kerr again noted “We’re not very good right now” in reference to turnovers.
Through seven preseason games, the Warriors have averaged 20.2 turnovers per game, an increase from the 18 per game last season. Kerr’s bluntness on the turnover problem represents a stark contrast from Jackson in the last two seasons. Whether it pays off and the Warriors take care of the ball better, remains to be seen. They are still committing too many of the same lackadaisical turnovers they did last year:
Turnovers are inevitable in preseason, especially with new teammates, a new system and general rust from game speed. That said, the lack of improvement from early to late October is a trend to follow. Committing 25 turnovers v. the Clippers without Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, shows the same lack of focus which plagued the team last season. If there’s a singular statistic to focus on this entire season, it will be turnovers, which outside of health will be the most important determinant on whether the Warriors can become a top 4 seed or remain in a battle for 5 thru 8. Or if nothing else, get used to Coach Kerr bringing it up every press conference.
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