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Game Report: Kuminga debuts as Warriors blowout Thunder

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 28: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors high-fives Stephen Curry #30 during the first half of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center on October 28, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 28: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors high-fives Stephen Curry #30 during the first half of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center on October 28, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Two things we learned

1. Kerr still happy to experiment with Curry’s minutes

After copping some criticism for waiting nearly eight minutes into the fourth quarter before bringing Curry back in against the Grizzlies, Kerr didn’t mind experimenting with his superstar early against the Thunder.

Rather than playing the entire first quarter as usual, Curry was subbed out with 4:38 left in the quarter, before being brought back in with 2:18 remaining. Maybe it just had to do with the absence of Damion Lee who was inactive after a shoulder injury sustained against the Grizzlies. In his absence, Chris Chiozza played just over 16 minutes whilst Moses Moody saw first half playing time.

2. Can’t underestimate the importance of a blowout win

If the Warriors hadn’t have put a space between themselves and the Thunder during the third quarter, then it’s very likely we’d still be waiting for Kuminga’s debut at the NBA level. There’s little doubt that he and Moody will only get minutes during garbage time should the team be fully healthy, also splitting their time with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G-League.

Still, wins like this are important in giving the rookies a taste of the action late in games, allowing them to develop in real NBA games. Even more importantly, it allows the likes of Curry and Green to rest fourth quarters and reduce their workload over the course of the season.

The Warriors now have a few days off before taking on the Charlotte Hornets at home on Wednesday.

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