Fans see Curry’s usage as a problem

SACRAMENTO — In search of a reason behind the Warriors’ recent struggles, many fans have pointed to Stephen Curry’s new substitution pattern. The notion that head coach Steve Kerr would sit the face of the franchise in the middle of the fourth quarter is a hot-button issue.

Kerr, for one, doesn’t understand the animus.

“It’s not like (Curry’s) overall fourth-quarter time and volume is waning,” Kerr said Saturday afternoon at the team’s shoot-around. “In fact, it’s increased. He’s played more fourth-quarter minutes. It’s just different.”

Over the past nine games heading into Saturday, Curry has opened the second and fourth quarters before checking out midway through. Since Curry’s role change, Golden State has gone 6-4, which many view as evidence that the new pattern is flawed. But that includes Saturday’s 127123 win over the Kings, when Curry played the entire fourth quarter.

Often overlooked is the fact that Kerr subs Curry back in during crunch time. In Thursday’s overtime loss to Houston, Curry checked out with 6:48 left, only to re-enter three minutes later with the Warriors nursing a one-point lead.

Kerr settled on the new rotation after experimenting with Klay Thompson or Kevin Durant opening the second quarter with the team’s second unit, but neither player meshed with the second unit.

In Curry, the second string has someone who can space the floor, create his own shot and thrive off the ball. That unit of Curry, Shaun Livingston, Andre Iguodala, Jonas Jerebko and Draymond Green has posted an offensive rating of 114, better than the team’s overall offensive rating of 113.1, in 47 minutes over the past nine games before Saturday.

“This has been the most successful and looks the best,” Kerr said. “We’ll keep doing it.”

Connor Letourneau is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.

home, but I wish I could do more,” Harris said. “I’m limited. … I’m happy, but at the same time I’m disappointed. I want to represent.”

Asked how he’s different as a runner at Alabama than at Antioch, he smiled and said, “I try to break every run, to be honest with you, because I don’t know the next time I’m going to get in. … I’m always ready when my name is called. That’s something I can control.”

Saban is accustomed to the delicate balancing act of rotating high-level players. He praised Harris’ talent, production and work ethic, while also acknowledging the running back committee approach creates some frustration.

“I’m sure, like any competitor, Najee would love to play more and get more opportunities,” Saban said. “But his time will come.”

Ron Kroichick is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rkroichick@ sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ronkroichick