Here are three takeaways from the Golden State Warriors 116-113 win against the Kings to end the team’s 5-game losing skid.
Stephen Curry to the Rescue
Stephen Curry brought out the cape last night against the Sacramento Kings. It was apparent from the start that the reigning finals MVP wouldn’t let his team drop their 6th game in a row. He led the team with 47 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists on 17 of 24 shooting.
During his postgame interview, Draymond Green had this to say about Curry’s explosive game.
The Warriors found themselves down 12 heading into the half, and with momentum building for the opposition, Curry took it upon himself to stop the bleeding.
Curry scored 17 of his 47 points in the fourth quarter to help push the Warriors back into the win column. Whenever the offensive stagnated, Steph found a way to create shot opportunities for himself. He was slashing to the cup, pulling up with confidence off of screens, and using pump fakes to create open looks at the rim. One game-changing play came in the closing minutes; Steph called over Draymond for a screen, got the mismatch he wanted in Kevin Huerter, and confidently drilled a 28-foot step-back jump shot to give the Warriors a three-point lead. Talk about saving the day.
Jordan Poole Non-Aggressive Against Kings
Jordan Poole has paved his way through the league with his undoubted work ethic, high motor, and ability to devastate opposing teams on the offensive end. The Warriors rewarded Jordan Poole with a lucrative 4-year 140 million contract extension after a breakout season, but his play has been underwhelming in 11 games. Poole is shooting 30% from beyond the arc, and has a plus-minus of -8.8. On Monday Night, Poole was not aggressive offensively. He took one shot in the first half and ended the game with only four attempts. Steve Kerr elected to start Poole in the second half, hoping it would flip the 23-year-old guard’s switch, but to no avail. Poole was kept quiet offensively and was limited to just three shot attempts in the second half.
Although it is only 11 games into the season, the Warriors need Jordan Poole to get out of this funk. The Warriors are the best version of themselves when Jordan Poole plays at his best. His skillsets offer a unique element in Steve Kerr’s lineups. Pooles presence allows Steph to play off the ball, puts another dynamic shooter around Draymond, and gives the Warrior’s second unit an offensive punch.
James Wiseman Logs DNP
For the first time this season, Steve Kerr decided to keep former #2 lottery pick James Wiseman out of the rotation. The 21-year-old has much to learn before being awarded a spot in Kerr’s tightening rotation. Although Wiseman is improving, the margin of error has become too small on a roster mixed with championship pedigree and young raw talent.
It is clear that the talent is there, but putting it together after three college games, a down rookie season, and a season-ending injury. Wiseman has a -6.9 plus-minus in 10 games. He appears lost in the offense and disinterested when he doesn’t have the ball.
Steve Kerr has been adamant that Wiseman needs time and reps on the floor despite the ups and downs. For now, I expect Wiseman will be given more opportunities throughout this week of games, but he will need to be more engaged than he has been. Currently, Wiseman is averaging four rebounds per contest, ranking him sixth on the team behind Draymond Green (6.1), Kevon Looney (6.6), JaMychal Green (4.7), Andrew Wiggins (6.1), and Stephen Curry (7.1). Steve Kerr will want that stat to improve drastically by the end of the regular season.
Warriors Splash Zone 