It’s not like the Golden State Warriors haven’t tried at all to build a competent team around Stephen Curry in the latter stages of his special career. Though they managed to squeeze another title out of their big 3 in 2022, the Warriors were unable to hit on ready-now draft picks that would both pave the way for the end of Curry’s career and for as new era once he left the arena for good.
Desperate to not entirely waste Curry’s final years, the franchise made a desperate move last year that brought 35-year old Jimmy Butler into the fold that actually paid some dividends before proving to be somewhat fool’s gold as this season has progressed. Things took a turn for the worst when the now 36-year old Butler, who has a long history of injuries, was lost for the rest of this year (and likely most of next) in mid January to a torn ACL, while Curry finds himself sidelined until at least after the All Star break with a runner’s knee diagnosis. Barely hanging above the .500 mark, the writing appears to be on the wall for what has been a generational run for this franchise and their superstar point guard.
Looking to make a name for themselves as the next dominant team, the San Antonio Spurs meanwhile have wildly exceeded expectations in Victor Wembanyama’s third season. Though the Warriors aren’t playing with a full deck of cards, every night is a chance to get better for Mitch Johnson’s squad. A win tonight on a road SEGABABA heading into the All Star break would put a nice stamp on the first half of the year for San Antonio. It only gets tougher from here on out.
**Spurs Injuries:** Lindy Waters III, knee (OUT), David Jones-Garcia, OUT
**Warriors Injuries:** Jimmy Butler, ACL (OUT), Stephen Curry, knee (OUT), Seth Curry, back (OUT), L.J. Cryer, hamstring (OUT), Kriystaps Porzingis, OUT
* As has been the case the last few years, the Warriors are pretty devoid of talent and depth at center, a huge advantage for Victor Wembanyama. When looking at their roster, Golden State is actually pretty small way across the board, with just 5 players taller than 6’6” and just one healthy player that’s taller than 7’0”, second year center Quinten Post. As could be expected fielding such a small roster, the Warriors are also extremely vulnerable on the glass, ranking a meager 24th in the league in total rebounds per game.
* Regardless of this height and size disadvantages, Steve Kerr’s group has still been able to field a top 10 defense. Golden State ranks 7th in defensive rating with a 113.2 mark. For comparison’s sake, the Spurs rank 3rd in defensive rating with a 111.9 mark.
* Draymond Green found himself in trade rumors last week when the Warriors were attempting to position themselves to somehow land Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nothing came to fruition, but the Warriors essentially let it be known that anyone not named Stephen Curry on the team is moveable for the right deal. Green continues to be the anchor for Golden State’s defense, providing veteran leadership and toughness on that side of the ball, but his offensive limitations are probably more glaring now than at any point in his career.
* No team in the NBA has attempted or made more 3s than Golden State this season, with both Steph and Moses Moody both having broke the 100-mark and Brandin Podziemski fast approaching it. One would think that their success from behind the arc would be in jeopardy with Curry sidelined, but that hasn’t stopped them from getting 3s up. They’re shooting 34% in the 4 games they’ve played without Curry.
If you’d like to, you may follow along with the game on our Twitter profile (@poundingtherock) or visit our Game Thread!
See More:
Comments
Getting the conversation ready...