Warriors Face Kings Without Curry, Butler, and Green
Golden State Warriors started a drastically different lineup in their game against the Sacramento Kings due to the absence of their three biggest stars. Stephen Curry did not travel with the team on their 90-minute bus ride, and by tip-off, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler were also ruled out.
New Starting Lineup
Coach Steve Kerr inserted a young and inexperienced starting five consisting of rookie guard Will Richard, second-year center Quentin Post, and shooting guard Moses Moody, joined by Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga. None of these starters had more than four years of NBA experience, marking the least experienced Warriors starting lineup since April 26, 2012.
Comparison With Previous Lineup
The last similarly inexperienced lineup featured Klay Thompson along with Chris Wright, Jeremy Tyler, Mickell Gladness, and Charles Jenkins, two years before Kerr became the head coach.
Coach Kerr's Perspective
“Obviously it’s more difficult when you’re missing your stars, but it’s a great opportunity for a lot of guys,” Kerr said before the game.
He added he was looking to see “energy, pace” from the makeshift group. “Throwing the ball ahead, playing aggressively on offense. Defensively, containing penetration and keeping the easy stuff away, just trying to put a good 48 minutes together. I’m excited.”
Game Context
The challenge was somewhat eased by the Kings also dealing with a crowded injury list, somewhat balancing the matchup.
Author’s Summary: The Warriors faced the Kings with their youngest, least experienced lineup in over a decade, providing valuable opportunities amid significant injuries to their star players.