Golden State’s bench production will be the deciding factor as the Warriors close out the season
Stephen Curry dropping 23 points in the third quarter and sparking a 24-0 run will be the highlight of the Warriors’ 113-87 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday but don’t overlook the other contributions in the box score. Golden State has emulated the phrase “Strength in Numbers” from the beginnings of their dynasty to the height of the Hamptons Five. And make no mistake, the phrase carries equal importance as the Warriors close out the season.
Curry dropped 30 points on route to a win in Houston, bolstered by 20 points from Andrew Wiggins and a near triple-double from Draymond Green, but the contributions to the victory don’t stop there. Michael Mulder and Jordan Poole each dropped 17 points and were (+8) and (+4) respectively. It’s the type of production that any team would relish on a nightly basis, and it’s the type of bench production that Golden State prides itself on as a team philosophy. But most importantly, it’s the type of production that will be needed if the Warriors hope to close out this season on the right note.
Saturday night it was Poole and Mulder, another night it could be Juan Toscano-Anderson, and another night it could be Damion Lee. They’ve all shown they’re more than capable of rising to the challenge, it’s just a matter of staying consistent. Golden State can’t afford for the bench to go cold for even one night, and the roster situation at hand heightens that importance.
Steph’s ridiculous scoring load can only take this team so far, as was highlighted with rough losses to the Mavericks and Timberwolves earlier in the week. Draymond Green was banged up in the loss to Minnesota and will play through the pain down the season stretch. Kelly Oubre Jr. has a torn ligament in his left hand and a fracture in his palm, throwing his availability in question.
Simply put: it’s all hands on deck for Golden State in these last eight games of this season. Golden State has a chance to create some separation in the rankings with two back-to-back games against the Pelicans. From there, they’re gifted with two (presumed) wins against the Thunder. Depending on how outside factors play out, the Warriors could very well find themselves inching closer to a 7 or 8 seed (which is an advantage in having to win only one matchup in the play-in scenario).
But to get those valuable wins and close out the season on the right note, it takes an effort from everyone in the rotation. Saturday night was a great example in which Curry, Draymond, and Wiggins helped place this team in the right position to win, with others like Poole and Mulder helping seal the deal. It was a prime illustration of “Strength in Numbers,” and Golden State has to see that phrase come to fruition in order to extend this season past the final regular-season game.