Steve Kerr’s decision to rest Stephen Curry for the first five minutes of the fourth quarter against the Timberwolves proved costly for the Golden State Warriors. Despite holding a narrow lead of 81-78 at the start of the final period, the Warriors found themselves trailing 97-89 upon Curry’s return with just 6:54 remaining. Although Curry’s presence sparked a late rally, it wasn’t enough to secure the win, as the Warriors fell short with a final score of 114-110.
In the post-game press conference, Curry’s reaction was palpable when a reporter inquired about his extended bench time during the critical moments of the game.
“Obviously, comparing it to last game and the normal rotation, I want to play as many minutes as I’m fresh and able to. So, a little bit, knowing that they were going on a run, the lead was kind of whittling away.”
“I played the whole fourth quarter against Indiana. Didn’t work out. This didn’t work out. So, we’ve got to find somewhere in the middle.”
Steph says he was "a little bit" surprised with his extended rest in the fourth quarter pic.twitter.com/wggRmqKjyL
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) March 25, 2024
Acknowledging his desire to be on the court during key moments, Curry noted the contrast with his playing time in the previous game against the Indiana Pacers, where he played the entire fourth quarter.
Despite Curry’s limited playing time, he still managed to contribute significantly, finishing the game with a game-high 31 points, along with four rebounds, three assists, and five 3-pointers. However, the Warriors’ inability to secure the win underscored the impact of Curry’s absence during critical stretches of the game.
Kerr defended his decision, citing the need to manage Curry’s minutes effectively to maintain his freshness and avoid overburdening him, particularly given the team’s demanding schedule. Kerr emphasized the importance of striking a balance between utilizing Curry’s talents and ensuring his long-term health and performance.
As the Warriors navigate the final stretch of the season and jostle for playoff positioning, Kerr’s management of Curry’s playing time will continue to be scrutinized. With every game carrying significant implications, finding the right balance between maximizing Curry’s impact and preserving his energy remains a crucial challenge for Kerr and the Warriors coaching staff.
The Warriors Need Stephen Curry To Carry Them
With the Golden State Warriors teetering on the edge of playoff contention, their reliance on Stephen Curry becomes increasingly evident. As they face the threat of being overtaken by the surging Houston Rockets in the Western Conference standings, the Warriors need Curry to carry them through the remaining 12 games of the season to secure their spot in the play-in tournament.
Curry’s impact on the team’s performance can not be overstated. As the franchise’s cornerstone, his leadership and scoring prowess are crucial to the Warriors’ success. With a record of 36-34, the team’s playoff hopes hang in the balance, making each game a must-win situation.
Statistically, Curry has been a force to be reckoned with throughout the season. Averaging 26.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, he consistently delivers stellar performances on both ends of the floor. His shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, at 40.4%, adds another dimension to the Warriors’ offensive firepower.
In moments of adversity, Curry has often risen to the occasion, showcasing his ability to carry the team on his shoulders. As the Warriors navigate a challenging stretch to close out the season, Curry’s leadership and scoring prowess will be instrumental in guiding them through turbulent waters.
With the Rockets breathing down their necks, the Warriors can ill-afford any slip-ups in the final stretch of the season. It’s imperative that Curry continues to lead by example, inspiring his teammates with his tenacity and determination on the court.
As the Warriors look to secure their place in the play-in tournament and potentially make a postseason run, their fate rests heavily on Curry’s shoulders. With his exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to success, Curry remains the linchpin of the Warriors’ playoff aspirations, and they will rely on him to carry them through the challenges that lie ahead.
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