According to Steve Kerr, there are a few key areas to concentrate on rather than simply playing Curry more.
SACRAMENTO– The answer looks so easy when viewed from the outside. With Steph Curry sitting on the sideline, the Golden State Warriors were outscored by 14 points in their Game 1 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. The Warriors were defeated by three.
It’s simple math: more Steph minutes translate into better performance. So just keep playing Steph. Instant adjustment.
Curry played 37 minutes on Friday, which was more than his season average of 35 minutes but far less than the amount of time that other superstars have been known to put in during playoff games. For example, Donovan Mitchell played 44 minutes in the Cavaliers’ first playoff game against the Knicks on Saturday, and Kings guard De’Aaron Fox played more than 40 minutes against the Warriors, including nearly the entire second half. Curry sat for 11 minutes, during which the Warriors were completely destroyed on both ends.
| GAME 1 VS. KINGS | CURRY ON | CURRY OFF | DIFF. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warriors off. rating | 117.6 | 95.8 | +21.8 |
| Warriors def. rating | 108.5 | 160.9 | -52.4 |
Despite the fervent cries of Dub Nation, playing more Curry in Game 2 is simply not an option. Steve Kerr, the Warriors’ head coach, at least.
I don’t regret giving him a break. I believe he is a guy who must work really hard both offensively and defensively, Kerr remarked on Sunday. “I don’t believe playing Steph for 40+ minutes is the solution. Better treatment of the non-Steph minutes is the solution, and we must do it.
While Kerr did suggest that the two days off between Games 2 and 3, as well as Games 3 and 4, might perhaps play a role in possibly increasing his star’s playing time, you should expect the Warriors to make the following two modifications on Monday night in Sacramento even though you won’t see more of Curry in Game 2.
First adjustment: Clear the glass of the Kings.
Every Warriors player who has addressed the media has cited one main factor as the reason for Saturday’s defeat: Sacramento’s 17 offensive rebounds, which resulted in 21 points from second chances. While it’s challenging to make significant changes to your plan or rotations at this point in the season, telling your guys to box out is simple and effective.
When you watch the video, all you can see is the shot going up and you looking at the ball. That is not possible, Kerr remarked on Sunday. When the shot is fired, you must locate and go get the free man. Do the boxing. We didn’t act in that way. Therefore, that is unrelated to size.
Domantas Sabonis, a big man for the Kings, grabbed five offensive rebounds, which wasn’t too shocking considering he averaged three per game and led the NBA in rebounding this season. Kerr wants his players to stop the other attacks, such those from Keegan Murray and Harrison Barnes.
Here is a prime illustration, one that Kerr probably played for his team during Sunday’s film session, wherein Barnes receives inside positioning for the offensive rebound after Klay Thompson first fails to box him out. Then, on the put-back of Murray’s miss, Barnes jumps past Curry absolutely unchecked on the subsequent jumper.
In Game 1, Warriors guard Gary Payton II, who grabbed four rebounds in 20 minutes, remarked, “We just got to hit back — better yet, hit first.” Just make sure that when the shot is fired, we identify any crashers and emphasize it.
Adjustment 2: Choosing the shot
One of the most thrilling postseason exchanges in recent memory resulted from both teams’ incredible shooting in the fourth quarter of Game 1. However, the Warriors made several dubious choices when the chips were down. With three and a half minutes left, Thompson’s fiercely disputed step-back 3-point shot lost Warriors supporters a lot of sleep on Saturday night.
The Warriors were behind by four when this scenario occurred with just under two minutes remaining. Andrew Wiggins, who otherwise performed admirably in his first game in more than two months, immediately hoists another 3-pointer after the offensive rebound after Thompson misses another tough 3-point attempt.
The Warriors have a history of straddling the line between assurance and haste, and these bullets almost crossed it.
On Sunday, Kerr said, “We want our guys to be unrestrained out there, aggressive, loose, and free. “But at the same time, we want them to understand that we can improve and become even better. We took a lot of great pictures. We can capture excellent images, and we are aware of this after seeing the movie again. They must be forced to guard for longer periods of time.
Mike Brown, the coach of the Kings, was pleased with the way his team challenged shots in Game 1 without fouling 3-point shooters. Brown is well aware that a poor shot for anyone else may be a tremendous one for Curry, Thompson, or even Jordan Poole.
Brown stated on Sunday, “I was impressed with them because they did precisely what we told them. “They’re amazing at thrusting their leg out or extending their arm into you if you jump into their body, and they’re going to get the call because of who they are. I considered it a major accomplishment for our athletes to compete without doing it.
You can anticipate that improved shot selection and patience will be stressed on Monday night since the Kings are contesting shots and the Warriors are unable to get three-shot fouls. Golden State wants to play quickly, but they must also force Sacramento’s defense to make several plays in order to earn the best shot.
However, that in no way implies that the Warriors will be timid. Thompson, who shot 5 for 14 from beyond the arc in Game 1, said his performance “felt great” and that his teammates’ and his own confidence will never wane.
“We’re just going to carry on as usual. We’re going to take difficult shots and make difficult ones, Thompson added. “I’ve been doing it for ten years, and I won’t give up after one poor shooting night. Exactly like A. I’ve been working on this for a while.
