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Golden State Warriors: D’Angelo Russell is heartbeat of Dubs offense

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 23: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 23, 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 - DECEMBER 23: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 23, 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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The Golden State Warriors have relied upon D’Angelo Russell too much offensively, and his absence has shown that he’s the offensive heartbeat.

The Golden State Warriors are now on an eight-game losing streak. They’re one of just two teams in the NBA with just single-digit wins. That said, it’s been a tough season for the team that’s been to five straight NBA Finals.

They’ve hung onto several of those victories, including an incredible Christmas Day win over Houston, due to the play of D’Angelo Russell. With his return against Memphis, it was obvious that this team needs him on the court.

Russell has averaged a career-high 23.7 points per game. What’s even more impressive is that he’s shooting a career-high 43.7%. While that not incredible, it does show that Russell’s efficiency is increasing throughout his career.

As well as scoring efficiently, Russell boasts the team’s best offensive rating of players that have put in time in over ten games.

His impact makes the efficiency on that side of the court weaken tremendously when he’s out. The Warriors, outside of Burks and Lee, have yet to find a rhythm when Russell sits. Russell also has the team’s second-best pace of players that have played in double-digit games.

He’s been a huge part of their ability to score, and when he’s involved, scoring 20 or more points, the Warriors are 5-10. Overall, the Warriors are 9-32 this season. The Warriors are 3-14 when he sits and 1-8 when he fails to reach 20. Russell’s involvement is paramount for the offense.

Not known as a great defender, Russell’s defense isn’t the reason they win games.

His offense, his leadership, and his ability to take control at that end of the court have elevated Golden State to a new level, one which could have resulted in a playoff berth had Russell been healthy the entire season.

Next. Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history. dark

Russell has been terrific this season. Whether you want him traded or not, there’s no denying this has been the best season of his career, and he’s proving his worth with Golden State.

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