The Golden State Warriors’ strong start to the season came to a stunning halt on Friday night as the Cleveland Cavaliers handed them a 136-117 loss, a game that was over almost before it began. Trailing by as much as 41 points, Golden State could never recover from a brutal start that saw them fall behind 20-3 in the first few minutes. The Cavaliers’ performance was an eye-opener for the Warriors, and a much-needed reminder that their early success may have been a bit misleading.
The Cavs’ Red-Hot Start
Right from the opening whistle, the Warriors were on the back foot. Cleveland shot out to a commanding 20-3 lead in the first quarter, and by halftime, they were comfortably ahead by 41 points. It wasn’t just Cleveland’s hot shooting; it was their ability to control the game in every aspect. The Cavaliers made 20 three-pointers at a blistering 54% rate, and Golden State had no answer defensively. The Cavs’ perimeter shooting, which seemed to fall at will, wasn’t entirely unstoppable, but it exposed the Warriors’ defensive vulnerabilities. Even when they did contest shots, Cleveland found ways to make them, including a ridiculous logo shot from Ty Jerome that could only be described as “one of those nights.”
While Cleveland’s shooting was certainly impressive, a lot of it was a product of Golden State’s defense failing to keep up with the ball movement and getting caught in scramble mode. Cleveland’s quick passes and movement off the ball put pressure on the Warriors’ defense, and they struggled to contain Cleveland’s creators. The Cavaliers’ offense was a well-oiled machine, and the Warriors simply didn’t have the tools to slow it down.
Offensive Struggles and Defensive Gaps
On the other end of the floor, Golden State had just as much trouble. The Warriors’ offense, which had been clicking in recent games, couldn’t get anything going against Cleveland’s defense. The Cavs were physical and disciplined, closing off passing lanes and challenging every shot. Golden State’s attempts to get into the paint were routinely thwarted by Cleveland’s size and shot-blocking ability. The Warriors were forced into contested shots, and their normally explosive offense was stifled at every turn.
Golden State’s star player, Stephen Curry, didn’t get much help from his teammates. Curry, who had been brilliant to start the season, found himself in a similar predicament to the rest of his team—unable to generate offense against Cleveland’s defense. When the Warriors did manage to get downhill, they faced constant resistance from the Cavaliers’ big men. There were simply no easy looks to be had.
Coach Kerr’s Reflection on the Loss
Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged that his team didn’t come prepared for the intensity Cleveland brought to the game. “I didn’t feel like I did a great job the last two days of getting the guys ready to play,” Kerr said after the game. While Kerr was disappointed in his team’s performance, he did note the positive signs in their effort to keep playing hard even as the game got out of hand. “I was impressed with the guys’ energy and the way they kept playing,” Kerr added. “That’s important to establish.”
But the reality is that the Warriors have a lot to work on. While they boast a deep roster and several key contributors, their success thus far had papered over certain weaknesses. Cleveland exposed those flaws in a big way, especially in terms of their defensive lapses and offensive struggles. The Warriors will need to address those gaps if they want to contend for a title this season.
The Cavaliers: Are They Really This Good?
Cleveland’s undefeated start has been one of the biggest surprises of the early season, but it’s too soon to say whether they are legitimate contenders. That said, their performance against Golden State was a statement win, showing that they can compete with the best teams in the league. With their young core and rising stars, Cleveland might be poised to shake up the Eastern Conference.
As for the Warriors, this loss served as a sobering reminder of just how small the margin for error is in the NBA. The Warriors are a good team, but they are not invincible. When they don’t bring their A-game, even the best can fall hard. The 19-point margin of victory for Cleveland doesn’t tell the full story—this was a blowout in every sense of the word, and it was a wake-up call for Golden State.
What’s Next for the Warriors?
The Warriors will have to regroup quickly, as they face a tough stretch ahead. While this loss stings, it’s also an opportunity to reset and refocus. If Golden State is going to live up to their early-season hype, they will need to address their defensive shortcomings and find a way to generate consistent offense when they’re up against top-tier teams. There’s still a lot of basketball to be played, and this loss is a crucial reminder that nothing is guaranteed, no matter how good you think you are.
