Warriors: No Stephen Curry, no worry as bench shows ample promise in preseason

“The bench exploded…” has to be one of the most overused words in NBA for some time now, and in the case of the Golden State Warriors, it couldn’t have been more true.

The numbers say it all, the bench had 52 points, 29 rebounds, and 18 assists in their preseason opener against the Portland Trail Blazers. The tussle against the Denver Nuggets saw them chalk up 68 points, 26 rebounds, and 19 assists.

There’s no doubt Jordan Poole has been one of the side’s breakout stars averaging 23 points, 4 rebounds, and as many assists, but he’s not the only one.

There was a dip on all three fronts in their 121-114 win against the Los Angeles Lakers with 49 points, 19 rebounds, and 18 assists.

However, the mojo seemed to have returned in the second round against LeBron James and Co. with 61 points, 22 rebounds, and 16 assists — in a winning game that saw Stephen Curry and Draymond Green sit out.

Assume the likely starters would be Curry, Thompson (when he’s back), Wiggins, Porter, and Green, and for simplicity’s sake now, Poole in place of second splash brother. That’s one pack that’s capable of some ridiculous fast-break plays, high-scoring games, and trademark defense.

If the second unit could be Poole, Damion Lee, Kevon Looney, Andre Iguodala, and Nemanja Bjelica, that’s still enough firepower to keep going before Curry and Green return to take charge of the proceedings.

Now thrown in Gary Payton II and Avery Bradley in the mix, and that makes them a serious threat.

Some of these players come with their own advantages. Igoudala might not be the offensive threat that he was, but his defense is still a plus. Lee’s embraced his role as a solid contributor, Poole is their best bet in non-Curry minutes, Porter is a knockdown man, and Toscano is a grinder.

Payton’s got the energy and the game awareness. The bigger advantage in his sixth year, and a first full season with the Warriors, is the fact that he finds loopholes in the opposition’s defense, and is quick to get to the rim with a better offensive vision.

Then there’s Bradley who still has a sorted defense. To just cut the long story short, this season’s outfit makes them less reliant on Curry and Green, and more of a team that can be banked on to hold their own against heavier-stacked teams.

It is interesting to see how these Warriors fare when the regular season begins. While not taking anything away from them, they have gone against sides that tend to still work to playing at full capacity — the Lakers being a classic example.

If Steve Kerr and the front office wanted to see how their acquisitions have fared, they have a fair idea now.