OAKLAND — The Warriors just concluded their worst month of basketball in recent memory, going 7-7 in March. Their middling record was mainly a result of the injury bug that swept through Golden State’s roster, including each of its four All-Stars.
One of the silver linings in an unusually injury-laden stretch is the tinkering of lineups and, consequently, playing styles. With the All-Stars have out, role players have stepped in and shown their strengths and weaknesses in different scenarios. Golden State has had this freedom because of its unwavering status as top-two seed in the Western Conference. Multiple Warriors players have trivialized the importance of the No. 1 seed.
The Warriors had three of their All-Stars back for the second straight game on Sunday evening, with Stephen Curry continuing to rest a sprained left knee. After their 117-107 win, Kevin Durant elaborated more on one of Golden State’s most positive traits: versatility.
“Any given possession, anybody can lead that possession,” Durant said. “That’s definitely how we are going to have to figure it out when Steph is out, how we are going to have to play when Steph is out. It’s been fun seeing different guys step up, and hopefully we continue to do that.”
Golden State has started 26 different lineups this year. Every Warriors player has started in at least one game this season except for David West.
Much of that is dependent on health, and head coach Steve Kerr forced to mix and match throughout the past month. Whether it’s starting Javale McGee or Zaza Pachulia, or playing three big men in the same lineup with Durant out, the Golden State lineup has been in consistent flux.
Quinn Cook has taken full advantage of the unusual circumstance. With the All-Stars out, Quinn was forced to handle the ball and facilitate the offense throughout the past three weeks. Now, with three of Golden State’s playmakers back, Cook can play off the ball and spot up for jump shots. He has potentially played himself into a rotational role in the playoffs as a result of his increased playing time.
The Warriors consistently operated out of the pick and roll on Sunday night. At times, as Durant pointed out, they can clear out and let David West, Shaun Livingston, and Durant operate out of the post. On other occasions, they can use their speed to play quickly in transition.
The Warriors’ versatility isn’t some sort of revelation. Their patented ‘Death Lineup’ was deployed in the most recent NBA Finals, in which Andre Iguodala replaces the starting center, to spread defenses out.
But recently, Golden State’s versatility has resurfaced in different ways with all of the attrition. With three All-Stars back, Golden State can present a handful of distinct looks.
“We are going to have to play different ways,” Durant said. “And I think that’s the beauty of our team, that we can play different styles… Each game calls for a different style. That’s why you have a deep team with a smart coaching staff that knows how to make adjustments.”