Gui Santos Leads Warriors to Victory, But Tanking Questions Persist

SAN FRANCISCO – Despite a shaky performance, the Golden State Warriors clinched a spot in the NBA’s Western Conference play-in tournament with a 109-106 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at Chase Center. However, the win was far from convincing, sparking renewed debate about whether the team is subtly “tanking” despite outward denials.

While the Warriors are officially past the point of strategically losing to improve their draft odds, their play on Wednesday night certainly raised eyebrows. They mirrored some of the tactics employed by teams actively tanking, but veteran Draymond Green insists that’s not the mentality within the team.

Draymond Green: No Quitting Allowed

“You just can’t be the guy that quit when it gets tough,” Green stated emphatically. “I’ve had some incredible years here, been a part of some incredible teams. And when things are going well, you want to embrace it. But when it goes a little left, you can’t jump off the train.”

The Warriors haven’t resorted to extreme measures like benching key players or intentionally forcing bad shots. Instead, their struggles stem from a different issue: turnovers and mental lapses.

Turnover Troubles Plague the Warriors

Golden State committed a staggering 26 turnovers against the Nets, extending a troubling trend of 71 turnovers in their previous three games. This sloppiness, according to Green, is largely a mental block.

“We can’t get sped up,” Green explained. “It starts with not having proper spacing and getting to our spots. Then you second-guess the pass, and it’s too late. Guys just got to get out of their own heads and play the game.”

The Warriors committed a season-high 15 turnovers in the first half, a testament to their early struggles. Coach Steve Kerr attributed the team’s sluggishness to the fatigue of a grueling road trip.

Gui Santos’ Career Night Sparks Comeback

Despite the challenges, the Warriors managed a fourth-quarter comeback, fueled by a spectacular performance from Gui Santos. The young forward poured in a career-high 31 points, leading the team to victory. Brandin Podziemski added 22 points, and Gary Payton II shot a perfect 5-for-5 from the field.

The Warriors outscored the Nets 32-20 in the final quarter, capitalizing on the fact that three of Brooklyn’s starters were resting on the bench. While the win wasn’t pretty, it secured their place in the play-in tournament.

Looking Ahead: Curry’s Return and Play-In Hopes

The Warriors will take any win they can get, especially with Stephen Curry sidelined. His anticipated return, whether Friday or later, is expected to significantly improve the team’s performance. Curry, known for his competitive spirit, would never endorse tanking.

As the Warriors prepare for the play-in tournament, they’ll need to address their turnover issues and rediscover their championship form. With Gui Santos emerging as a key contributor and Curry’s return on the horizon, the Warriors have a chance to make some noise in the playoffs.

Further Reading: For more in-depth analysis of the Warriors, check out NBC Sports Bay Area.