Echoing Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr Gives Two Cents on Sticking to Traditional Line-Up; Warriors Starting 5 vs OKC Thunder

With their ticket to the IST semis thwarted by the Clippers, Stephen Curry and co. are back to the regular season track. Going up against Oklahoma City Thunder tonight, Dubs coach Steve Kerr is back to traditional line-ups. Kerr’s interest in using his veterans as the starting five has led to much rebuke and clamor from fans and analysts alike.

While this happens in the background, the man in question is seemingly going to trust his gut. Once again, Coach Kerr will have his starting 5 featuring the controversial figures of the Warriors.

Steve Kerr trusts his intuition for tonight

Talking about it pre-game, he echoed Curry’s sentiments. “There’s a proven track record there. I’ve gotta give them opportunities.” While this seems like the quality of a great coach, many wonder if his veteran favoritism is getting in the way of practical thinking. Then again, veteran power is not one to be easily dismissed.

The struggles the Warriors had to face throughout the season, it’s remarkable that they are keeping it together. Even though the stats aren’t exactly favorable (10-11, 11th position in the Western Conference), history is their best wingman.

Stephen Curry echoed similar sentiments after their barely-there win against the Portland Trail Blazers previously. One of the reporters had asked the 4x champion about the need to fix the offense. Curry was swift in his response when he confirmed that he believed in the lineups completely. All they needed was a little more time and continuity down the stretch with the same unit.

Tonight’s starting five gets the chance to do just that.

The Warriors vs the Thunder

The OKC has had a great run, standing proud at second position in the Western Conference with 13-7. Looking at the history of the two franchises, the pair have played a total of 266 games (regular season). And Thunder has the record for more wins against the Dubs; 144-122. A full 22-win gap.

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With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren among the leaders of the Thunder, it looks like they are planning on upholding the franchise’s dominance over the dynasty. To deal with the comparative rookies, Steve Kerr is going with his tried-and-tested five (though, recently, they have failed the “tried-and-tested” part).

The Golden State will have Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney to open the game. Trying to keep the Warriors’ offense in check will be their primary concern. Rebounding is also another aspect that Oklahoma will have to pay attention to. Especially with Looney dominating the glass.

Hopefully, the Warriors can get one step closer to erasing the gap between the OKC and GSW.

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