Kerr’s lineup decision when Kuminga returns really isn’t that tough originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors’ training staff gave Steve Kerr a reprieve Thursday afternoon in Houston.
By informing the coach that it was best to give Jonathan Kuminga at least one more night off, he could delay a decision likely to displease the man who spent the past two months flashing star potential.
After thriving as a starter, Kuminga won’t enjoy hearing the news. But the logical move is to send him back to the bench.
It’s the only move, really. Kerr seems to realize it’s best to keep riding the group that has won five consecutive games without Kuminga – six in a row overall – the latest being a tip-to-buzzer 133-110 thrashing of the Houston Rockets.
“We’ve established something here,” Kerr told reporters at Toyota Center. “If we’re playing well, we generally keep the same starting lineup.”
That’s where Kerr is. That’s where the Warriors are. They’ve locked up a berth in the NBA play-in tournament. They’re locked in on defense. They suddenly look capable of threatening Western Conference powers, including the three teams taking turns on top.
Golden State’s task now is to keep hunting wins, keep trying to climb beyond their current play-in tournament status of 10th place in the West, and to continue sharpening its edge for the remainder of the regular season.
That means the dynamic defensive partnership between veteran power forward Draymond Green and rookie center Trayce Jackson-Davis stays in the starting lineup.
“Trayce and Draymond together have changed our team,” Kerr said. “It’s pretty dramatic. Just the rim protection and the rebounding that Trayce gives us, what that allows Draymond to do. It’s been really fun to watch them together. Trayce, for a rookie, it’s amazing what he’s doing.”
“Trayce and Draymond together have changed our team.”
Kerr lauded the Warriors’ dynamic pairing after tonight’s blowout win pic.twitter.com/3RqsPrVO2z
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 5, 2024
The Warriors are peaking on defense, the first requirement to be a serious NBA team. The…
..
