In a strategic move, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has made crucial decisions regarding Al Horford’s participation in games. The 39-year-old player has been a significant addition to the team, impacting their play during regular-season matchups. However, Kerr has adopted a cautious approach to manage Horford’s playing time, especially during back-to-back games.
Al Horford’s Participation Strategy
Horford will not participate in consecutive games during the season, similar to his approach with the Boston Celtics. This season, the Warriors have 14 sets of back-to-back games, bringing about critical decisions for Kerr. Specifically, Kerr ruled Horford out for the Warriors’ game against the Memphis Grizzlies but decided to play him the following game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Matchup Considerations
- Against the Grizzlies, the Warriors faced challenges without Horford to counter Jaren Jackson Jr.’s size.
- Kerr emphasized the importance of matchups, noting that the size of the Clippers and Nuggets influenced his decisions.
- Health considerations also come into play, with Kerr evaluating the situation on a day-to-day basis.
Warriors’ Recent Performances
In their latest contest against the Portland Trail Blazers, which resulted in a 139-119 loss, the Warriors struggled defensively without Horford. The Blazers outscored Golden State 66-30 in the paint, a significant factor in their win. Kerr cited poor transition defense as a critical issue, exacerbated by 25 turnovers committed by his team.
Turnover Issues
Kerr has expressed concern about limiting turnovers to enhance defensive performance. In comparison, the Warriors managed only nine turnovers during their overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets. The coach stressed that adjusting turnover rates could positively impact their defense moving forward.
Brandin Podziemski’s Performance
As the season progresses, young player Brandin Podziemski faces challenges on the court. Averaging just three assists in the first three games, he is not performing at his best. Previously, Podziemski dealt with wrist and abdomen injuries, which he claims affected his game last season.
Coaching Insights
Kerr has noted that Podziemski may be under pressure to perform, similar to previous seasons. “Sometimes he just needs to relax and be good,” Kerr commented, recognizing the potential in the young guard.
In summary, the Golden State Warriors face critical decisions regarding Al Horford’s game participation. As they navigate various challenges on the court—including turnovers and player performances—they aim to find a balance to enhance their competitiveness in the ongoing season. With ongoing evaluations and strategic play, the Warriors look to strengthen their performance while managing veteran players like Horford effectively.
