3 things the Golden State Warriors should improve amid 5-game losing streak

The Golden State Warriors are on a five-game losing streak, following their defeat against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday (114-105).

The reigning champions remain winless on the road this season (0-6), their longest-running losing streak since 1997, when they started the season 0-6 on the road.

"We just need to bring more of a sense of urgency," Klay Thompson noted, via New York Post. "We had a long run last year, but 2022 is over. It's time to kick into high gear and play that championship level of basketball that we're used to. I fully expect us to do that."

Following the end of a five-game, seven-day road trip, the Warriors aim to return to the winning track on Monday when they host the Sacramento Kings.

After that, they will have a few days to rest before facing the Cleveland Cavaliers at Chase Center on Friday.

That said, here are three things the 2022 NBA champions should improve to get back on track and build a winning streak:

#1 Defense is not there for the Warriors yet

The Golden State Warriors have played poor basketball defensively so far this season.

Through their first 10 games, they have a defensive rating of 116.7, which is the third-worst in the NBA. They also allow the most points per game with 121.4, the most free throws (29.5) and the most fouls as well (24.2).

Conversely, the Warriors finished with the best defensive rating (106.9) in the league last season, and they allowed the third-fewest points (105.5) per game.

"Honestly, our biggest thing is just a lack of communication," Curry said after Thursday night's loss in Orlando, via Yahoo Sports. "You have two guys who talk a lot -- Draymond and [Kevon Looney]. They've been around. They know they have confidence in what they're saying. They're loud with it. Our biggest thing in pointing out our youth is being demonstrative on the court."

"Communication not only helps you, but it affects the offensive team because they feel you're all tied together, and it makes them think a little bit," the four-time champion added.

"When it gets quiet out there, it's tough to have confidence that you're doing the right thing, that you're in the right spot and then you're one step behind, then you're rotating late and then you're fouling. ... Collectively if we talk more, we'll be in much better positions to defend."

More proof to show how poor the Warriors' defense has been early in the season is that the Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic all scored season-highs vs. Golden State.

Getting on the same page in defense is the Warriors' main goal right now. Opposing teams are picking them apart, and fouling is their biggest issue.

#2 The second unit has to step up for Golden State

The Warriors decided to make changes to their second unit this offseason. However, their bench players have not lived up to expectations yet.

Donte DiVincenzo remains out with a hamstring injury, but his return will help stabilize the second unit.

JaMychal Green is struggling early on, with a poor 3-point shooting percentage (23.5%) and poor decisions defensively, including bad fouls at costly times.

James Wiseman, who is coming off a serious injury that cost him the entire 2021/22 season, is still looking to play aggressively on both ends. His early struggles have frustrated him.

"I think next week will be a great opportunity for us to get a lot of work in execution-wise on both ends and work on our rotations," Kerr said Friday night. "We're going to change the rotations a little bit. I've got an idea of what I'm going to do, but the staff will talk about it in the next couple of days and we'll solidify that. It should be a good week for us to get back on track."

#3 Jordan Poole has to improve his shooting and take over for the team

After a great start to the season (21.2 points and 4.8 assists, on 50 percent from the field and 39.5 percent on threes early in the season), Jordan Poole has struggled over the last three games.

His shooting percentage has dropped, going just 12-for-40 from the field and 5-for-22 from three over the final three road games.

"He's trying too hard," Kerr noted. "Jordan's trying too hard to create every play. He's at his best when there's a flow to the game, he plays on and off the ball, he's getting some catch-and-shoot opportunities."

Following his stellar performances last year and the lucrative contract he signed in the preseason, Jordan Poole has to play at the highest level every night.

This is very important for the team, especially when Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson are out, like Friday's road game versus the New Orleans Pelicans.

Thompson may not play in back-to-back games this year, as Golden State wants to be cautious with him, so Jordan Poole has to step up and cover the gap when Klay is out.

"Klay may not play in a back-to-back all year," Kerr told reporters Friday before tipoff in New Orleans. "He didn't last year due to two straight season-ending injuries. Draymond missed half the year last year with a back injury, and we're in the final stage of a grueling road trip."