The Golden State Warriors rebounded from a previous loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 114-106 victory at Chase Center, showcasing head coach Steve Kerr’s ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
Missing Andrew Wiggins due to injury, Kerr reconfigured the starting lineup to better support Stephen Curry, resulting in a rejuvenated team performance.
Kerr’s adjustments included starting Gary Payton II, Buddy Hield, and Draymond Green alongside Jonathan Kuminga and Curry. This combination brought balance to both ends of the floor, amplifying Curry’s offensive brilliance while improving defensive assignments. “Without Wiggins, we wanted to start Gary on [Anthony Edwards] and just have our best defender on him right away,” Kerr explained via The Athletic. “Gary’s also historically good with Steph, and then we just felt like we had to get Buddy going.”
The decision to start Hield was particularly impactful. Hield delivered a standout performance, scoring 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. Kerr emphasized Hield’s role in revitalizing the team’s pace and spacing. “If Buddy is out there with Steph, that makes the game easier for him,” Kerr said. “It took us a little bit of time, but it opened up the game for us.”
Buddy Hield’s contribution was most evident in the second half, where he found his rhythm and sparked crucial scoring runs. Kerr praised his ability to thrive in transition, noting, “He runs the floor in transition probably better than anybody on our team. Early in the season, he was getting a lot of shots in transition from the corners, and that was kind of the idea—to see if we could get him going again.”
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Hield’s shooting efficiency proved pivotal as the Warriors capitalized on their opportunities, overcoming a slow start to control the game’s tempo. Despite missing shots early, Hield credited Kerr’s confidence in him as a turning point. “Steve [Kerr] did a good job of just letting me stay out there and letting me figure it out,” Hield said.
During the third quarter, Hield began to settle into his role, connecting on key baskets that energized the team. “Sometimes you need to get settled in,” Hield explained. “That play helped me get settled in. I was able to make a pull-up two, and after that, in the second half, I figured it out.”
Curry’s role
Stephen Curry, as expected, was the focal point of the Warriors’ offense, but Kerr’s tactical changes allowed the supporting cast to alleviate some of the pressure on their star player. Gary Payton II’s defensive prowess, paired with Draymond Green’s leadership, provided much-needed stability on both ends of the court.
Jonathan Kuminga also benefited from the lineup changes, contributing with timely plays that complemented Curry’s offensive output. The revamped starting five demonstrated improved chemistry, enabling the Warriors to execute their game plan more effectively.
The victory was a reminder of Kerr’s coaching acumen and his ability to maximize his roster’s potential, even in challenging situations. The decision to pair Curry with Hield and Payton II in the starting lineup underscored Kerr’s commitment to optimizing floor spacing and defensive matchups.
As the Warriors look to build momentum, the success of this lineup could serve as a blueprint for future games. With Wiggins still sidelined, Kerr’s flexibility and the team’s ability to adapt will be critical in navigating the regular season’s demands.
For now, the Warriors can celebrate a hard-fought victory, fueled by Curry’s leadership, Hield’s sharpshooting, and Kerr’s tactical brilliance. With this win, the team has shown it has the resilience and depth to remain competitive, even when facing adversity.