The Golden State Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 133-112 on Wednesday night.
Draymond Green was a late scratch. Head coach Steve Kerr made the decision to rest Green on the second night of a back-to-back after he played 32 minutes Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Before the game, Kerr explained his approach to managing older players.
What Kerr Said About Green’s Absence
GettyDraymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors.
Green’s back acted up Wednesday after Tuesday’s physical game in New Orleans.
“He’s already beaten up from last night, and his back acted up today, so we’ll keep him out and get him ready for the next (game),” Kerr said, via The Mercury News’ Joseph Dycus. “Just manage it day by day, week by week, and see how he’s feeling.”
Kerr emphasized the importance of monitoring veteran players. “With the older guys, you absolutely have to monitor them and pace them and give them the chance for recovery to avoid bigger injuries,” Kerr said .
Green is 35 years old. He has dealt with various minor injuries all season. The Warriors are being cautious with his workload, especially on back-to-backs. Green finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two blocks in Tuesday’s loss to the Pelicans.
The Warriors were also without De’Anthony Melton on Wednesday due to left knee injury management. Golden State continues to play without Stephen Curry (knee), Jimmy Butler (ACL), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness).
Despite the absences, the Warriors blew out Memphis by 21 points.
How the Warriors Dominated Without Green
Eight of the Warriors’ nine rotation players scored in double figures.
Will Richard led Golden State with 21 points, six rebounds, and three steals on 9-of-15 shooting. Brandin Podziemski added 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Gary Payton II scored 19 points off the bench with five rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Gui Santos was efficient with 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting. Pat Spencer finished with 12 points and nine assists. Quinten Post added 12 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
The Warriors shot 53.3 percent from the field, 41.3 percent from three-point range, and dished out 37 assists. That ball movement and balanced scoring were a stark contrast to Tuesday’s loss in New Orleans.
Kerr praised the team’s offensive execution. “We were able to move the ball really well, 37 assists, and just a really good night for everybody who stepped on the floor,” Kerr said, via NBC Sports Bay Area .
What Kerr Said About Malevy Leons
With Green sidelined, two-way player Malevy Leons received 18 minutes against Memphis.
Leons finished with nine points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals on 3-of-5 shooting. It was his first extended rotation minutes for the Warriors this season.
“I thought Malevy was awesome,” Kerr said . “Just the energy, defending without fouling, creating some problems for them at the defensive end of the floor, and then making some nice plays on offense too. Was fun to watch him play.”
Leons nearly had a double-double but missed two free throws in the final minutes. Regardless, his performance gave the Warriors another option off the bench during this difficult stretch.
What This Means for the Warriors
The Warriors improved to 31-28 with the win.
They are eighth in the Western Conference and fighting to stay in the playoff picture. Golden State has managed to win games despite missing Curry, Butler, Porzingis, and now Green and Melton on various nights.
The balanced scoring and ball movement Wednesday night showed what the Warriors can do when the offense flows. But sustainability is the question. The Warriors need their stars back. Curry remains out with runner’s knee. Porzingis has missed six of his first eight games since joining Golden State. Butler is done for the season.
Green’s availability is day-to-day. Kerr’s approach to managing him makes sense. The Warriors need Green healthy for the playoffs more than they need him for a random Wednesday night game in Memphis.
The Warriors face the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday at Chase Center. Green’s status for that game is uncertain.
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