After a tantalizing preseason, it was hard for Steve Kerr to decide on a conventional 10-man rotation. Since the loss of Klay Thompson, a unique situation kept looming over the Warriors. It required something different to be done. And so Kerr did something he has never attempted. “I’ve never played 12 before, but we’re going to do it. It’s not easy on anybody, but we just have to trust that,” the head coach said after a routing of the Trail Blazers in their season debut.

In the first two games, there was no space for doubt. However, against the LA Clippers tonight, his scheme experienced its first knock. Luckily, Kerr was prepared for the remarks that would attach themselves to such scenarios.

Tonight, the HC felt “technically” only 11 players were used because of Kyle Anderson’s four-minute work on the night. Yet, since they lost, the reporters felt his rotation tactics could’ve been a ‘short-term’ focus. “Every game is going to be a little different,” Kerr said.

Until it worked, there wasn’t much to question. However, with a first loss since preseason under their belt, Steve Kerr revealed a prediction he made to one of his close people. “Somebody texted me like ‘Hey, 12 guys is a real democracy’. I said as soon as we lose it’s going to be communism. That’s the truth,” the revered head coach unraveled in his post-game presser.

After ten years in the league, Steve Kerr understands, “The results dictate the judgment. That’s the business we’re in, so. I’ve got to do what I think is best for the team. Generally speaking, it changes throughout the year (82 games). So we have to be ready to adapt, but I like the commitment the guys have made.” Sadly, it’s going to be challenging for the nine-time champion to manage through the next few games after the Clippers game paved the way for a heartbreaking injury.

Can Steve Kerr and the Warriors manage without Stephen Curry?

While trying to stage a comeback against the West rivals, Stephen Curry having already rolled his left ankle, decided to return to the game in the fourth quarter. Exactly 13 seconds later, déjà vu struck, and the Chef headed straight for the locker room. Likewise, even on Wiggins’ big 29-point night, without their talisman, the Warriors didn’t have an avenue to break through the Clippers.

In the initial assessment of the injury, Kerr revealed that he spoke to the Splash Bro. And Stephen Curry thought that the injury was likely a “mild or moderate” sprain. It’s an injury the sharpshooter has suffered multiple times in his career. But even if it is a few games, the question is, can the Bay survive without their foundational star?

It’s only been three games, but the Warriors are on average 15 points better with Curry on the floor. This is in just under 25 minutes of action for the 2x MVP this season. Additionally, he remains their most lethal perimeter threat, solely commanding the defensive attention to make space for his teammates.

However, without him, how can the Bay cope? Their next two games are back-to-backs against the New Orleans Pelicans. A relief is the absence of Dejounte Murray, a suffocating perimeter pest who can torture floor spacers such as Buddy Hield.

Still, the Pels have a top-10 three-point defense so far, allowing opponents to shoot below 35% in their three games thus far. Moreover, while Murray is out, Zion Williamson has successfully marked his return to playing full-time once again.

On a positive note, the New Orleans side’s offense hasn’t hit the perfect symphony just yet. They are averaging 110 points per game, good for 22nd in the league so far. The Warriors, with their connectivity and well-connected system, do hold a chance to battle against the formidable side. The likes of Andrew Wiggins and Buddy Hield, who have started the season brilliantly, will need to elevate their offensive game to numb the key absence of Stephen Curry.

The job won’t be easy for Steve Kerr either. Without his one-man army, who can he rely on to break down defense simply by just existing? While there is no such force within the Warriors, the HC’s plans will require a great volume of ball movement and shooters to successfully utilize the unsettled Pelicans. Do you think they’ll be fine without Curry? Let us know your views in the comments below.