Warriors’ bad defense is criticized by Draymond Green, who says, “We can’t guard nobody

Golden State Warriors rely on Top 10 defense to win. But they’ve been one of the NBA’s worst

JANUARY 15: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on January 15, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Draymond Green took 12 minutes to describe the ways in which the Warriors defense has failed.

One sentence summed it up.

“Individually our defense sucks,” Green said. “So in turn, our team defense sucks.”

Bold assessment from the guy fresh off an indefinite suspension, but few others understand just how much another ugly loss to a Memphis Grizzlies team playing without half its star-studded roster speaks to the dynasty’s overarching descent. Why a core, aging at that, that’s won four championships gets run over by contenders and out-hustled by pretenders not only physically, but mentally.

Three numbers will be the hitting points as the Warriors dive into film from this loss on Monday: Memphis’ 20 3s and 40 free throws and their own 19 turnovers. Coach Steve Kerr pointed to the turnovers and offense as their biggest downfall in Memphis. A night of carelessness after combining for 13 turnovers in their previous two games.

But what Green identifies is an emotional undoing. His return to the fold after a 16-game absence, 12 due to suspension, was supposed to shore up the defense. Communication was their biggest flaw, and Green’s voice as a defensive anchor and generational help defender would clean all that up.