Steve Kerr clarified the decision to bench Draymond Green in favor of Al Horford during the closing moments of Golden State’s last two victories. The Warriors secured narrow wins against the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies within a five-day span, but the absence of Steph Curry has complicated late-game lineups. Kerr emphasized the need to optimize spacing and interior offense without Curry, prompting the shift to Horford in the final plays.
Adjusting Lineups Due to Steph Curry’s Absence
Kerr pointed out that Al Horford’s effective performance, particularly in the recent game against Phoenix, made him the preferred option at the center position late in games.
“Al in the Phoenix game and last night was playing so well,”
Kerr said, via the San Francisco Chronicle.
“And I think without Steph, it’s easier for us to score if Al is at the five and then we space the floor around him.”
This adjustment aims to maintain offensive efficiency despite missing a key player.
Challenges of Playing Both Horford and Green Together Without Curry
The coach further explained difficulties in creating effective lineup combinations that include both Horford and Green without Curry in the lineup.
“It’s harder to find lineup combinations without Steph where we can play Dray at the four,”
Kerr noted.
“If Al is playing like that — scoring inside and dominating the glass — then yeah, we’re going to play Al. Without Steph, it’s tough to put those guys together. Right now, it’s kind of an either-or.”
Additional Insights on Offensive Struggles and Lineup Decisions
On a radio appearance, Kerr reiterated that the Warriors face scoring challenges without Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler.
“Without Steph and Jimmy, we’re struggling to score at times and we’re just finding that we’re better off playing one big,”
Kerr stated on Willard & Dibs.
“And if Al is playing like he did last night then we’re going to stay with Al and stay smaller around him… So it’s just the way it is right now. Everything could be completely different next week so you just have to kind of roll with it.”
Potential Impact of New Signing Kristaps Porzingis
The Warriors could soon expand their options with the addition of Kristaps Porzingis, who may debut as early as next week. Kerr shared an update on Porzingis’s progress, saying,
“He [Porzingis] played three on three today… Our training staff feels pretty good about where he is, and the possibility that he’ll play next week,”
signaling a possible change in lineup flexibility moving forward.
