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Golden State Warriors: D’Angelo Russell is proving he can lead

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 15: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a play against the Boston Celtics on November 15, 2019 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 15: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a play against the Boston Celtics on November 15, 2019 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson out for the majority of the season, the Golden State Warriors needed a leader. His name is D’Angelo Russell.

The Golden State Warriors season-long four-game win streak was snapped against the Mavericks, but in the games preceding that one, D’Angelo Russell, the Dubs’ major offseason addition, stepped into the light as the team’s unanimous leader.

He did it on the offensive end of the court while forcing his mediocre defense to step up a notch as well. This win streak was the first time we saw Russell not only score at will but lead the Warriors to numerous victories, almost pulling them out of last in the West.

Earlier this season, Russell had 52 points; however, the Warriors lost to the Timberwolves. Prior to the thumb injury that put out a few weeks, Russell had led the Warriors to a 1-9 record while on the court.

Since returning, he’s helped the team find a spark within themselves.

Damion Lee, Alec Burks, Ky Bowman and Glenn Robinson III aren’t low-quality players; they’ve played well this season. But, they aren’t the type of player you want with the ball in their hands late in the game.

That’s where Russell came in so clutch, helping outscore the Suns by 21 in the fourth alone just a few games ago.

Since his return, the Warriors are 5-7.

While it may not seem great for the Warriors, their record on the season is just 9-25. They’re one of four teams left in the league with single-digit victories. That’s just rough, making Russell’s recent accomplishments even more impressive.

Throughout the Warriors win streak, Russell averaged 26.5 points and 3.5 threes per game. Shooting around 43% from the field, Russell’s been terrific and has assumed the team’s leadership role late in games.

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In the fourth quarter alone, Russell is averaging 7.4 points per game over his last five. He’s been the difference-maker for Golden State, and it’s been an important factor that’s helped lead them to victory in four of their last five games.

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