Warriors-Kings: Lack Of Hustle Shouldn't Be an Issue, But Unfortunately, It Is

The Golden State Warriors are the youngest team in the NBA, so their players on the floor should have no problem hustling for the ball.

Yet throughout the season it's been the same old story—there's absolutely no hustle from them.

On the second-to-last possesion of last night's game against the Kings, in the third overtime when John Salmons made the game winning shot, the rebound should have gone to Kelenna Azubuike or Anthony Randolph.

Yet neither did enough to secure the rebound, and it ended up in Salmons' arms—where he buried the jumper with 1.6 seconds left in the third overtime. 

The other problem for the Warriors is that their veterans like Jamal Crawford keep making mistakes that shouldn't happen. For example, with the Warriors leading by three in the second overtime and a chance to pretty much give the Sacramento Kings a few seconds to work with while the Warriors hung on to a three-point lead.  

Instead, Crawford mismanaged the clock, went into the lane way too soon, and missed the shot. Since there were pretty much no other Warriors underneath the basket, the Kings had an easy rebound.

It took one pass to Kevin Martin, who took just one dribble and a shot a three, and the game was tied again.  That was the shot that sent the game to the third overtime. 

Another issue was Corey Maggette, who has always been known for his ability to drive, get to the line, and hit his free throws. Tonight the Warriors can thank Corey Maggette for the loss. He got to the line 12 times—I repeat, 12 times. He only made four shots. Meaning that a career 80-plus percent free-throw shooter shot 33 percent.

Here's a hint for you Maggette—if you're that injured and you can't hit your free throws, then don't play. You cost the Warriors a game that they could have won in regulation if you just had made your damn free throws. 

The loss took away from Anthony Morrow's solid play. He got two putbacks in a row and then on a fast break was able to make a pretty little short jumper in the lane. 

It also ruined the career high in points by C.J. Watson, who scored 26. Jamal Crawford finished the game with 35 points and had a few nice assists to Ronny Turiaf, but because the Warriors were not able to come up with the hustle plays they lost this game. 

My problem with the Warriors lack of hustle is this—they are in the NBA. They are making money and lots of it. Does it really take that much more effort to dive after a loose ball, to get into a defensive position, box out your man on a rebound, etc? The answer is no!

So why can't we see any hustle from such a young team—especially on the defensive end? 

The only players that I even see remotely putting out the same effort night in and night out are Andris Biedrins and Ronny Turiaf. There are a few players who will show the hustle on one play, but the next play there isn't any. It has got to stop! Now! 

On a side note, I do realize the picture is of Matt Barnes, but that's the best face I could find of a Warriors player that shows how frustrating it is to watch this Golden State team.