What’s an ideal Warriors’ stretch run?
Warriors will spend final 25 games of regular season getting ready for playoffs
With the All-Star festivities complete, the Western Conference-leading Warriors have 25 games left in the regular season. Can they set up the ideal stretch run that builds momentum into the playoffs?
After navigating through the early spat between Kevin Durant and Draymond Green, Klay Thompson’s shooting woes and a myriad of injuries, the Warriors enter the final stretch as one of the hottest teams in the league, winning 16 of their past 18 games heading into Thursday’s game against the Kings.
To get you ready for the playoff sprint, here are some storylines to follow closely:
TEAM DEFENSE >> Through 57 games, the Warriors have been a middle-of-the-road defensive unit, ranking 15th. At times they’ve looked like the team of two years ago that would suffocate teams, setting up Golden State’s signature runs. Other times, they’ve looked tired, late and uninterested in defensive rotations.
However, in last week’s win over the Jazz, the Warriors showed some defensive promise, led by Green.
The former Defensive Player of the Year was all over the place, blocking shots that led to fast-break opportunities, deflecting passes and even blocking three-point attempts.
While he’s battled injuries throughout the season, Green has shown glimpses that he’s back to being one of the best defenders in the league. Such as the early matchup against the Kings, when he helped the Warriors cut a 10-point deficit in the final six minutes, guiding a 17-2 run to close the game.
Last season, the Warriors had the 11thranked defense in the league, posting a 106.8 rating. However, in the playoffs, with Green fully engaged, the Warriors were the league’s best defensive unit.
Since the beginning of the season, Green has lobbied to win DPOY honors for the second time. And if he can play at the level he displayed Tuesday, the Warriors will be well
on their way to a third straight title.
“He’s always in that conversation [for DPOY],” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “There’s only a handful of guys that will be in that conversation every year. Draymond is one of them.”
YOUTH MOVEMENT >> Days after winning last year’s title, general manager Bob Myers said the Warriors would be investing in their young players, namely Jordan Bell, Quinn Cook, Kevon Looney, Damian Jones and 2018 draft pick Jacob Evans.
Eight months later, that vision has fizzled.
While Evans has toiled in the G-League for most of the season and Jones is out for the regular season with a pectoral injury, Bell and Cook have struggled to see the floor.
Instead it’s been veterans Shaun Livingston, Jonas Jerebko and Andre Iguodala coming off the bench, and the only young player getting consistent minutes is Looney, who has become a reliable big man.
Through the last stretch of the season, it will be interesting to see how the young core plays, because the fact is, the Warriors can use their contributions. Cook’s ability to score could be a boost for the league’s 29th-ranked bench, while Bell’s ability to guard multiple positions made him a mainstay in the rotation during last year’s postseason.
If Golden State’s young players can become a bigger part of the mix, the Warriors will be in better shape depth-wise come playoff time.
EVOLUTION OF BOOGIE >> DeMarcus Cousins exceeded expectations after returning from a torn Achilles last month, averaging 15.2 points, seven rebounds and six assists in 21 minutes, shooting 49 percent from the field.
However, Cousins has struggled over his past six games, shooting just 36.9 from the field. He’s also struggled defensively in pick-and-roll situations as he continues to recover from his Achilles injury.
Fortunately for the Warriors, Cousins seems tailor-made for Golden State’s offense with his ability to pass and hit the 3-pointer, giving the Warriors an offensive weapon they haven’t had under Kerr.
Golden State has opted to ease Cousins’ return by implementing a minutes restriction. But when the Warriors get back after the All-Star break, Cousins’ minutes should increase.
Cousins’ arrival in Golden State last summer was meant to be a one-year marriage, but so far it has been fruitful for both sides. If Cousins can continue to play well, the Warriors should be in good shape in the postseason and Cousins should be in good shape for free agency.