Even as he remained at home resting from a calf injury and watching the games on TV, Gary Payton II sensed something was wrong with the Warriors. When he returned Saturday, his original concerns were verified.

“I’m pretty sure you can see it on the court, just the disconnect that we have, especially on the defensive end,” Payton said following practice on Monday. “I believe that some of our offense is predicated on our defense, which should be the other way around.” We just need to come back to basics on offensive and defense, putting in first, second, and third efforts and using our heads while playing. We’ll get things back on track sooner than expected.”

Golden State returned to practice two days after coach Steve Kerr hinted at a separation with his squad to prepare for Tuesday’s home game against a very tough Orlando Magic club that presently sits in fifth place in the East.

Kerr’s postgame comments, in which coach stated that the Warriors lacked “that grit that every good team needs, when you pull together and just play for the group,” sent shockwaves through Dub Nation and the media.

While the coach did not direct fingers, his statements left many people wondering who, if anyone, he was referring to or whether he was simply venting his fury.

Kerr stated on Monday that he had discussed his feelings with his teammates but declined to elaborate.

“Not anything I want to share,” Kerr remarked. “However, we address everything that occurs within this team.” I have to choose when to say and when not to say certain things. It seemed like a good time to announce that publicly because we need to turn the corner in that regard.

“We’re not where we’d like to be. But I don’t think we’re all that far away.”

The preponderance of the Warriors’ breakdowns have been on the defensive side, according to most observers.

On the offensive end, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, among others, have struggled with consistency.

Kerr has had to juggle his rotations in the hopes of finding something that works regularly. Before Saturday’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks, he made some substantial changes, starting Chris Paul over youngster Brandin Podziemski and going with Trayce Jackson-Davis instead of Kevon Looney.

While both performed admirably against the Mavericks, it wasn’t enough to overcome the problems that have plagued the Warriors for the most of the season.

Frustrated, Kerr addressed the Warriors after the Dallas game, imploring them to connect and commit to the goal and work at hand.

On Monday, the Warriors coach appeared calmer than he had been nearly 48 hours before.

“I know the areas we have to improve in, both on the floor and intangibly,” he remarked. “And I’m confident that we’ll figure it out together and become the team we expected at the start of the year.”

“There have been many circumstances that have brought us to this point.” They are exactly what they are. As a coach, I’ve realized that each year is unique. Every year, there are surprises, whether it’s an injury or a punishment. Things just happen. The whole idea of coaching is to assist guide the group through that, which is what my team and I are attempting to do right now.”

Following the loss to Dallas, Paul and Curry were among the players that discussed some of the challenges that the Warriors faced in that game and throughout the season. Both mentioned the importance of being connected as a team, and both felt optimistic that things would eventually improve.

Payton expressed some of his teammates’ sentiments.

“We have to get back to winning ways, doing things the right way, doing the simple things before it’s too late,” Payton told reporters. “We have to pick and choose when we want to come back with the connectivity and get back to doing things for each other, get back to playing for one another and get back to having our trust on both sides of the ball.”