Golden State Warriors: 3 Predictions for remainder of season

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks to pass the ball while being defended by Josh Jackson #20 of the Detroit Pistons during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 30, 2021 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks to pass the ball while being defended by Josh Jackson #20 of the Detroit Pistons during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 30, 2021 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors predictions: Stephen Curry begins resting

The season began with a startling trend as Stephen Curry’s usage rate was skyrocketing. He was on pace to carry the heaviest load of his career at 32 years of age. Thankfully, the Golden State Warriors have managed to take some weight off of his shoulders.

It’s no secret why Curry was being relied on so heavily. When the Warriors strayed away from him, they quickly fell behind. There is an obvious correlation between Curry’s individual success and the team’s success this year. For example, the Warriors are 9-4 when Curry scored 25+ points – and just 2-5 when he doesn’t. More concerning, they lose by an average of 20 points when he falls below that scoring threshold.

Maybe this is just me being optimistic, but I think this trend will diminish a bit as the rest of the team becomes more comfortable in their roles. Curry’s usage has already been dipping as his teammates hit their strides. I think this will allow him to rest a bit more towards the second half of the season in order to preserve himself for a playoff run, or simply rest for next season.

Another thing we must note is it’s entirely possible the Dubs fall out of the postseason picture and elect to rest Curry in the final weeks of the season. The benefits here are obvious, securing a lottery pick and keeping Curry fresh for a more serious shot at a title next year.