Lineups, lineups, lineups. Starting lineups. Finishing lineups. Reserve lineups.
I just attempted to summarize the Warriors’ season thus far, and I think in a pinch it would do. With so many new players mixed with a few holdovers from years past — notably the unique pair, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green — coach Steve Kerr has had his hands full trying to get the most of his various lineup combinations.
The starting lineup is the worst high-usage lineup in the NBA, according to The Athletic, for example. Kerr even said if had a must-win game now, he’d switch it up.
Perhaps he’d use the lineup that worked best in Golden State’s upset win against the Lakers on Monday. The group, listed below by NBC Sports’ Drew Shiller, was plus-15 against LA and is plus-11 overall this season, with a limited sample size.
It’s no surprise that three holdovers from Warriors championship teams, Curry, Green and Kevon Looney, are in the mix. Kerr played his two new athletic wing players with those three to wondrous effect.
To put a finer point on it, the key to this lineup is Curry and Green. They ran the high pick-and-roll against the Lakers when the Warriors needed them the most and it worked like a charm. That play was a staple of the Warriors’ dynasty in the mid to late 2010s.
So how much will Kerr use this lineup going forward? I think he’ll use it increasingly often. Not only does he have three champions in the lineup, he has the lanky Oubre and Wiggins to help on the defensive end. On offense, Curry and Green can run the show and allow those two to play with less pressure on their shoulders.
Luckily, there’s a game Wednesday night so we can continue to monitor Kerr’s lineup choices. If Golden State and its fluctuating rotations can get a victory against the Spurs, the team’s record will move to a very respectable 8-6, and perhaps some questions regarding Kerr’s decisions will be answered.
(Photo credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports)
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