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A thriving second unit holds key to the Golden State Warriors’ success

By William Spencer

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors talk with each other during a break in the action against the Denver Nuggets in the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 14, 2022 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 - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors talk with each other during a break in the action against the Denver Nuggets in the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 14, 2022 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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In a 116-113 loss to the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Arena on Tuesday, it was the Golden State Warriors’ second unit that kept the team from the bay competitive and with an opportunity to ultimately win the game.

The development of the second unit has been the target of blame for the Warriors’ slow start to the season, and an undetermined rotation has been a source of frustration for Steve Kerr and the coaching staff.

The Golden State Warriors’ second unit is a work-in-progress with recent lottery picks James Wiseman and Moses Moody still waiting in the wings.

The second unit, led by Draymond Green and Jordan Poole, along with a break-out game from Jonathon Kuminga, kept Golden State competitive. Kuminga contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and two blocks in nearly 26 minutes of action.

Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green complete the unit, but Kerr is not through tinkering with the lineup. With the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, James Wiseman, developing his game in Santa Cruz, and the 14th pick of last year’s draft, Moses Moody, waiting in the wings as well, this unit will likely be a work in progress until the All-Star break in February.

Kerr’s coaching-decisions-DNP hasn’t discouraged Moody; sitting on the bench next to Andre Iguodala, the 20-year-old is learning his trade through the eyes of a veteran hall-of-fame player-coach. Fans of the young star patiently remain optimistic. Moody, 6’ 6”, with a 7′ 2″ wing span, a picture-perfect jumpshot he can execute from the bounce or catch, and the ability to get to the rim, has yet to find meaningful minutes in Kerr’s Rotation — He’s failed to gain the trust of Kerr because of a propensity to commit unnecessary fouls and foolish turnovers.

dark. Next. “Best game I’ve ever seen” – Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga excites against Mavs

The Warriors are slowly but surely turning things around, thanks partly to an empowered bench unit. Draymond Green raved about the second unit’s newfound belief in themselves. If there is such a determination as a “good loss,” the loss to the Mavericks on Tuesday fits the definition.

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