Warriors: Burks, Robinson fuel 2nd victory in a row
WASHINGTON — Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III have enjoyed surprisingly productive seasons for the Warriors, which is why the two journeymen are considered trade chips ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
In helping lead Golden State to a 125117 victory over the Wizards at Capital One Arena on Monday night, Burks and Robinson continued to show why they’d be solid three or fourmonth rentals for playoffbound teams. After the Warriors’ 19point, thirdquarter lead was whittled down to five with 3:39 left, that pair of swingmen scored nine of their team’s final 10 points to lift Golden State to just its second winning streak of the season.
Though the Warriors still own the NBA’s worst record, they’re pleased to be reminded of what it feels like to close out games. It hardly matters that the backtoback wins came against lotterybound teams.
Two nights after a rout of Cleveland, the Warriors shot 49.4% from the field and made 15 3pointers in the nation’s capital. With D’Angelo Russell sidelined by a bruised right quad, Golden State channeled its famous motion principles, passing with such speed and precision that defenders were left scrambled.
For the second straight game, the Warriors totaled at least 30 assists. Such commitment to ball movement fueled Golden State’s 278 advantage on fast breaks.
“We’ve been really sharp moving the ball, and a lot of guys are knocking down 3s,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “The game’s a lot easier when the ball’s going in the hoop.”
In what could be one of his last games as a Warrior, Burks came off the bench to make five 3pointers and score 30 points. Robinson, whose perimeter defense and sound decisionmaking have prompted multiple teams to inquire about him in recent days, added 22 points on 13 shots.
But in the moments after just their 12th win of the season, the Warriors weren’t thinking about how Monday had made Burks or Robinson more attractive to potential suitors. Even if those two aren’t around for next season, their leadership and stabilizing presence have helped groom youngsters for important 202021 rotation roles.
“They’re huge,” guard Damion Lee said of Burks and Robinson. “Them knowing the game, their experience, their wherewithal and teaching, that’s huge as guys who came in their first year in an organization.”
The past two wins might have come against struggling teams, but the Warriors flashed the egalitarian ethos, unyielding effort and focus that Kerr values. At no point Monday was that more evident than during the final threeplus minutes.
After guard Ish Smith hit a pullup 17footer to put the Wizards within 115110, Burks drew contact and made both ensuing free throws. Less than a minute later, Robinson knifed through the key, lofting in the layup to put Golden State up nine points. Moments after Burks nailed a 3pointer to seal the Wizards’ fate, blueandyellowclad fans chanted Stephen Curry’s name as the injured twotime MVP followed his teammates toward the locker room.
It was a fitting sight for Burks and Robinson: As they have helped shepherd Golden State through its youth movement, the two have received little fanfare. Their contributions have been overshadowed by Curry’s muchanticipated return next month from a broken left hand.
“They’ve brought experience,” forward Draymond Green said of Burks and Robinson. “They’ve both played extremely well this year, being a couple older guys. Neither of them really say much, but they’ve definitely brought good energy.”