Following their failure to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014, here are some players on the Golden State Warriors who have been held responsible for the team's postseason exit.
After the Golden State Warriors suffered a disappointing 4-2 series loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, true fans were left with a sense of resignation rather than anger or frustration.
The Warriors simply couldn't keep up with a more athletic, consistent, and cohesive opponent, culminating in a Game 6 that slipped out of their grasp.
Despite Steph Curry's valiant efforts and the best efforts of the role players, the pressure cooker of the series ultimately proved too much for the Warriors.
There was no explosive ending, no immediate call for drastic changes, just a distant memory of what could have been.
However, it's clear that the Warriors' players were far from perfect, and if blame must be assigned, here are three individuals who may shoulder some responsibility.
Klay Thompson and the Warriors' shortcomings contribute to their early exit from the playoffs.
After a disappointing performance in Game 6 of the playoffs, Klay Thompson can no longer be solely known by his moniker "Game 6 Klay".
Thompson's struggles throughout the series were evident in his lackluster eight-point output, shooting 3-of-19 from the field and 2-of-12 from beyond the arc. While these numbers are undoubtedly disappointing, they were not a significant departure from his inconsistent form throughout the series.
The Lakers' defensive strategy focused on shutting down Thompson, who struggled to find his rhythm, causing him to miss several open looks and resulting in his worst game of the series.
Unlike Curry, who has diversified his offensive game over the years, Thompson's shot selection often leaves fans and Coach Steve Kerr cringing.
Thompson's struggles on the offensive end also carried over to his defensive game, where he failed to make a significant impact.
Although a few made shots from Thompson could have changed the outcome of the game, it was not meant to be, and Thompson's struggles contributed to the Warriors' playoff exit.
J.J. Redick, an analyst for ESPN,
Provided insight into why Thompson struggled throughout the series, suggesting that the Warriors' shift to a primarily pick-and-roll offense with Curry may have impacted Thompson's performance.
However, despite these potential external factors, Thompson was unable to find his rhythm in the series.
Injuries undoubtedly affect players, and it is unrealistic to expect Thompson to perform at the same level he once did.
Nonetheless, it is reasonable to hope that he could have performed a little better.
Unfortunately, that was not the case, and Thompson's struggles on both ends of the court contributed to the Warriors' playoff exit.
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