Kerr says Warriors are playing ‘scattered’ basketball after slumping to eighth loss

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says the defending champions are playing “scattered” basketball after slumping to their eighth straight road loss to open the 2022-23 season.

The Warriors were brushed aside by the Phoenix Suns 130-119 on Wednesday, leaving Golden State with a 6-9 record, and their first 0-8 road record to start since the 1989-90 season.

Golden State’s road start is the worst ever by a defending champion in NBA history. The eight-game losing run is also a tie for third for longest road streak by a defending champion in their title-defense season.

“What we have to do is stay with it and find it,” Kerr told reporters. “In order to find it, we’ve got to get everybody on board, on the same page in terms of just worrying about winning and that’s it.

“Right now, we’re just scattered. It’s a pick-up game. It’s a pick-up game out there. There’s no execution at either end. There’s no commitment to the group to get three stops in a row to execute on offense.

“It obviously starts with me. I’m the coach of the team. I have to figure out a way to get that production, that sort of commitment to the team and each other and to winning.

“There’s no collective grit. We lack grit right now. When you don’t have grit, the game is really easy for the other team… It’s a Drew League game. We’re playing a Drew League game right now.”

The Warriors continue to struggle defensively, having allowed 124.3 points per game on the road this season, which is the worst in the NBA.

Phoenix were the sixth Golden State opponent to score 120 or more points in their 15 games this season.

“I think we’re feeling sorry for ourselves and no one is going to feel sorry for us,” Kerr added. “Everyone can’t wait to play us and kick our a***. We’ve had a lot of success and a lot of fun and joy beating people over the years and teams don’t forget that.”

Stephen Curry was a lone hand on offense, scoring 50 points including making seven-of-11 from beyond the arc, but the Warriors’ bench only added 17 points collectively.

“It’s not about stats. Steph could probably go and score 75 if he wanted,” Kerr said. “I think it’s not about numbers. Steph played well, and nobody else did. It’s about the team, it’s about the commitment. That’s what makes basketball special and this team special over the years.”