The Golden State Warriors are currently facing a challenging stretch, having lost six consecutive road games. With five more road games ahead before returning to their home court at the Chase Center, head coach Steve Kerr is shaking things up in an attempt to steer the team back on track.
Ahead of their match against the San Antonio Spurs, Kerr announced a new starting lineup featuring the Hall of Fame trio of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler III, and Draymond Green, along with fifth-year wing Moses Moody and rookie Will Richard. This change is aimed at addressing the team’s struggles on both ends of the court. Defensively, the Warriors have faced issues, particularly on the perimeter, which Moody, recognized as the team’s top point-of-attack defender, should help mitigate. Offensively, the Warriors have been noticeably stagnant, and the spacing that both Moody and Richard are expected to provide, along with Richard’s dynamic cutting abilities, could revitalize their scoring opportunities.
However, this lineup change also appears to indicate a shift away from Jonathan Kuminga, who had previously been established as a regular starter. Although Kuminga had been listed as questionable for the game due to knee soreness, he has since been cleared to play. Kerr’s decision marks a dramatic turnaround from earlier in the season when he emphasized Kuminga’s role as a key player in their rotation.
This move comes on the heels of critical remarks from Draymond Green after the Warriors’ previous loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Green expressed concerns over team commitment, urging his teammates to prioritize team success over personal agendas. Kerr acknowledged some of Green’s sentiments but clarified that the lack of commitment was not about selfish play, stating, “There’s not an individual player out there who is playing selfishly or doing anything purposefully that would hurt the team.”
Kerr did point out that players have been holding onto the ball longer than usual, which has contributed to the team’s struggles. Notably, Kuminga has faced difficulties in recent games, posting 14 assists but also 17 turnovers, while many of his shot attempts have come from isolation plays rather than within the team’s overall offensive flow.
As the Warriors adjust their lineup and strive to regain their footing, fans remain hopeful that these changes will lead to improved performances and a return to winning ways.