John Hefti-Imagn Images

How Warriors' Weakness Could Improve vs. Pistons

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lance Roberson | Last updated Jan 9, 2025 11:23 AM ET

On Tuesday, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr didn't have much positive commentary regarding his team's performance. Frankly, the Warriors' 114-98 loss didn't give Kerr much reason to smile through such a disappointing outing. However, Kerr mentioned where the Warriors fall short during the 2024-25 season. Coincidentally, the Warriors woes can improve vs. the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.

Despite Stephen Curry's game-high 31-point performance against the controversial Heat, the Warriors failed to force the referees' whistle. In addition to shooting an ice-cold 14 for 50 mark from 3, the Warriors' effort, or lack thereof, glared in their attempts from the charity stripe.

Golden State only attempted five shots from the free-throw line on Tuesday. Kerr noted that the Warriors rank "way at the bottom of the league" in free throws and layups. He didn't exaggerate; the Warriors rank last in free throws made and percentage-wise, finishing 25th regarding attempts.

Before criticizing his team's questionable performance, Kerr stated that the layup and free-throw-line issues are personnel-based and that Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. should address any questions regarding such a problem area.

Kerr claimed the Warriors suffer from a "crisis of confidence" after such a miserable loss to a team mired in public trade discourse.

Thankfully for the Warriors, their Thursday evening opponent also struggles to earn free-throw attempts.

Detroit ranks 28th in shots made at the charity stripe and somewhat better marks with 26th in attempts and percentage.

Although beating the 19-18 Pistons won't fix the Curry-led team's issues, it will at least stop the bleeding for the Warriors, who finished 4-6 in their last 10 games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: