Steph Curry’s soaring game-winning shot to defeat the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night further solidified his position as the NBA’s most clutch player this year. Following that victory, the Golden State Warriors triumphed over the Utah Jazz on Monday, propelling them back above the .500 mark for the first time since December 23rd.
While the NFL playoffs and the NBA playoffs are distinct in their formats, the Kansas City Chiefs’ journey to the Super Bowl demonstrated how a team with a deteriorating roster can find their stride at the right moment. A decade ago, the San Antonio Spurs faced obstacles until Kawhi Leonard emerged as a star player, and the chemistry between Leonard, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan propelled them to two more Finals appearances. Although the Warriors are currently in the play-in tournament zone, their lineup is finally stabilizing after a season of uncertainty.
Transitions can be challenging, and the Warriors have struggled to find their footing due to a crumbling foundation. Throughout their championship years and the lows that followed, a healthy Warriors team was always a contender for the title. However, the first half of the 2023-24 season was disastrous, and their veteran trio of Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green seemed like relics of the past, reminiscent of classical art displayed in a museum.
Despite this, they still possess the remarkable ability to anticipate their teammates’ movements and exploit defenses through their improvisation and strategic use of screens. However, their impact on the court seemed diminished compared to their previous contributions. In fact, their plus-minus rating when playing together was negative for the first time. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, with their long and versatile rosters, now resemble the blueprints for championship success in the present era.
Over the past decade, coach Steve Kerr has had to adapt and modernize the Warriors’ lineup. Adding Jordan Poole to the rotation, along with acquisitions by former general manager Bob Myers, has often been enough for Kerr to create a championship-caliber team. However, this season has forced Kerr to explore unfamiliar territory.
During the midpoint of the season, the Warriors were struggling. In response, they adopted a small-ball approach, despite the league trending towards bigger lineups. Since Draymond Green was shifted to the center position in late January, the Warriors have won eight of their last 11 games. In regulation, they have only been outscored by one point in their three losses to the Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, and Sacramento Kings. During this stretch, the Warriors have the third-highest net rating, the third-lowest defensive rating, the fourth-best offensive rating, and the third-best rebounding rate in the NBA.
However, finding a solution to Klay Thompson’s inconsistent performances in the starting lineup remains a persistent challenge. In the five games leading up to his 26-point performance against the Jazz, Thompson struggled, averaging only 11 points per game in February. He shot 40 percent from the field and less than 25 percent from behind the arc. Thompson’s decline has been difficult to navigate, considering his integral role in the Warriors’ success before Draymond Green joined the rotation under Steve Kerr. Despite his frustrations, Thompson has managed to maintain composure on the court.
Although the trade deadline passed without the Warriors making any significant moves, this has alleviated concerns within the team. Thompson also expressed his willingness to return next season in a more limited role, acknowledging his age and previous injuries. He plans to model his game after veterans like Reggie Miller and Ray Allen, who remained effective players in their late 30s. Thompson’s newfound perspective, coupled with Draymond Green’s emotional reset after a suspension, has brought stability to the Warriors’ headquarters. Additionally, the emergence of Jonathan Kuminga has the potential to change the game for the team.
Kuminga showcased his potential during the preseason, leading the league in scoring. However, he struggled to find playing time once the regular season began. It wasn’t until he expressed his dissatisfaction with his usage under Kerr in January that the coaching staff finally gave him a more significant role in the offense. The investment in Kuminga has paid off, as he has become the second-leading scorer for the Warriors, averaging nearly 22 points per game with impressive shooting splits. His improved shooting stroke has forced defenders to guard him more closely, opening up opportunities for him to attack the rim. Only a select few players, including Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, and Jimmy Butler, have achieved similar splits and scoring averages in the past six weeks.
While there are still areas that require improvement, these positive developments could convince team owner Joe Lacob to stay the course and focus on reconfiguration rather than a complete overhaul. Kuminga is on the verge of becoming the Warriors’ version of Kawhi Leonard, and rookie guard Brandin Podziemski has also made significant contributions to the team’s rotation. Although the Warriors’ “Death Lineup” is no longer the dominant force it once was, they are making progress. While the Big Three may no longer be in their prime, they now have the opportunity for growth and development.
According to the Source deadspin.com