Unfortunately, the Golden State Warriors lost against the Toronto Raptors 104-101 on Monday. The Warriors had a significant advantage in the third quarter and the first half of the fourth. However, when the Raptors challenged the Stephen Curry-led team, their luck changed.
Toronto defeated the Warriors in the closing minutes thanks to an effective shooting performance from the field. Frontcourt player Chris Boucher led the team in the fourth quarter with 17 points off the bench. In total, the Canada-based club shot 65% from the field.
With the Raptors leading 104-101, the Warriors had an opportunity to extend the game in the closing seconds. Golden State’s Buddy Hield had a shot from long range and took the opportunity. However, his shot was short as it only grazed the bottom of the net.
After their loss, head coach Steve Kerr spoke to reporters and took the blame for what happened.
“Just didn’t get good looks, didn’t execute very well,” Kerr said. “We’re disciplined enough and that’s my fault. I’m the coach of the team, I have to find a way out for this team and I’m not doing a good job of that.
“Down the stretch, we’re not executing but that’s happening throughout the game at both ends. Missed rotations, missed coverages on defense and then poor possessions offensively, it’s on me.”
Steve Kerr critical of the Warriors’ offensive execution and defensive breakdowns tonight: “It’s my fault.”
Called this as frustrating a night as they’ve had this season pic.twitter.com/YgmenMpKsh
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 14, 2025
Kerr said the loss against the Raptors is as frustrating as what they’ve experienced throughout the season.
“Lack of discipline in our coverages defensively, in our offensive execution. I’m the coach, so it’s my fault.”
With their loss, they’ve fallen to 19-20 and are below .500.
Golden State Warriors coach have not lost trust in Hield
The last play for the Golden State Warriors fell into the hands of Buddy Hield, who tried to keep the team in the game. However, he came up short as he had a tough shooting night against the Raptors. In the game, Hield shot 23.1% from the field, including a 2-for-10 shooting from deep.
Even with how he struggled, the Warriors head coach still trusts that Hield can be a huge player for their team.
“He’s had some good looks and he’s a great shooter,” Kerr said of Hield. “We know that, I think all our guys are pressing because they know the margin for error is slim… But I trust him, I put him in the last play because I believe he’s always gonna make the next shot. He gives us space even when not making shots.”
Steve Kerr on the slumping Buddy Hield: “I trust him. I put him in the last play because I believe he’ll make the next shot…I’m gonna keep playing him. I’m gonna keep trusting him.” pic.twitter.com/crDkD3yONc
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 14, 2025
Hield is averaging 12.4 points and 3.4 rebounds on 38.1% shooting from deep. Even with his struggles on Monday, the team still knows he can be a factor as they seek to spread the defense.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
