NBA 2018/19: 3 reasons behind Golden State Warriors' current struggles

When the already dominant Golden Stare Warriors added free agent DeMarcus Cousins in the summer, many experts proclaimed the outcome of the season to be a foregone conclusion.

In the early weeks of the season, that prediction looked to be exactly right, as the Warriors stormed to a 10-1 start. The two-time defending Champions have however won just 2 of their last 8 games, and they are currently on a four-game losing streak, which is their worst ever under coach Steve Kerr.

The Warriors' form has been so alarming that Kerr has proclaimed that the team has returned to 'the real NBA', after being in a dream during their recent dominance. The Warriors have obviously not become a bad team overnight, so here we will dive into some of the factors that are behind their worst run of the Steve Kerr era.

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#3 Lacking Reserves

Jordan Bell is among the reserves that have not stepped up this season

The Golden State Warriors' starting five is among the best to ever grace the NBA. The dominance of the starters often means that the bench can afford to surrender points and the team would still be in the lead.

Despite this, the quality of the reserve players has now reached the point where it is harming the team's results. A majority of the reserve players are young second-round draft picks, and the Warriors are hugely missing the impact of JaVale McGee from the bench.

The ever-reliant Shaun Livingston has also struggled, whereas Jordan Bell looks a shadow of the player we saw last season. Going forward, it looks as though the Warriors are going to need to field at least two of their starters at all times.

#2 Injuries

Steph Curry's return will provide a huge boost to the team

It is often said that while Kevin Durant is the best Warrior, Steph Curry is the most important. The 30-year-old was performing to an MVP standard in the early games of the season, however, the point guard has missed seven matches in a row, which has coincided with the Warriors' poor form.

Newly signed All-Star, DeMarcus Cousins is also still recovering from a serious Achilles injury, whereas Draymond Green has also missed six of the last eight games. Cousins may not return until the new year, although Green and Curry will soon be back, and this should be a catalyst in the Warriors' return to form.

#1 Team Tensions

Green and Durant got into it during their game against the Clippers

Golden State were already dealing with constant speculation about Kevin Durant's future, so it didn't help the Warriors when Draymond Green publicly told the 30-year-old that the Warriors didn't need him, and they were winning before he joined in 2016. Green was subsequently banned for a game and fined, however, the 28-year-old refused to apologize.

Steve Kerr has reportedly been left concerned about the team chemistry, as the Warriors have suddenly gone from the team that had the most fun on the court, to a team where players are liking comments about teammates being traded. The roster may be able to put behind their personal issues to win a third consecutive title, however, it looks as though the Warriors' dynasty may be heading towards the end.