Rookie Bell makes Kerr’s job harder

ORLANDO — Much of the season, as rookie forward Jordan Bell oscillated in and out of the lineup, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr heard a familiar chorus from fans: Why don’t you play him more?

Little more than a quarter of the way through the season, Bell is making his case for a regular spot in the rotation. His latest effort was a 16-point, four-rebound, three-block gem in 16 minutes of Friday night’s 133-112 win over the Magic at Amway Center.

“If I don’t put him out there (Sunday) in Miami, (general manager) Bob (Myers) might fire me,” Kerr said. “He was great tonight, wonderful energy. We’ll keep playing him, and continue to help him grow. I thought he was excellent.”

A loaded roster has forced Bell to be patient. After impressing at the start of the season with his defensive versatility and passing ability, his minutes dwindled as Kevon Looney inched ahead of him on the depth chart. Bell was inactive for four of five games before posting seven points, six blocks and four assists in his first career start Nov. 25 against Chicago.

It was enough for Kerr to begin finding him more consistent playing time. Over his past five games, Bell is averaging 6.6 points on 80 percent shooting, 2.2 blocks and 4.8 rebounds in 13.4 minutes.

Bell’s most well-rounded performance came Friday, when he needed only 10 shots to double his previous career high in scoring. Midway through the fourth quarter, after throwing down a lob from Draymond

Green, he chest-bumped Green near the top of the arc as the crowd roared.

Bell was also a force on defense, repeatedly switching off screens to match up with guards. Within an 11-second span late in the first quarter, he swatted shot attempts by guards Elfrid Payton and D.J. Augustin.

Asked if he’s cemented a rotation spot, Bell stayed conservative.

“I wouldn’t say solidify yet,” he said. “I mean, I had one good game. We’re 25 percent through the season, so we’ve got a long way to go.” Curry adjusts: Warriors point guard Stephen Curry realizes that his finger injury will probably linger for a while, so he is trying to get comfortable playing with it. Friday, he made noticeable strides, finishing with 23 points on 9-for-20 shooting, 10 assists, six rebounds and three steals in 33 minutes.

“I’m just more used to the tape,” said Curry, who again wore a padded wrap on his right hand. “I hope I continue to get better as I play through it. It hurts anytime you use it.”