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Is Stephen Curry’s injury proving a blessing in disguise for the Golden State Warriors?

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Jonathan Kuminga #00 and Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after Kuminga scored against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on December 27, 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 - DECEMBER 27: Jonathan Kuminga #00 and Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after Kuminga scored against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on December 27, 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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When two-time MVP Stephen Curry went down with a shoulder injury against the Indiana Pacers on December 15, many believed it could doom the Golden State Warriors’ chances of repeating as NBA champions.

But after a torrid road stretch where they went 1-5, the Warriors current four-game win-streak has many asking — has Curry’s injury actually provided a watershed moment that the franchise needed?

Stephen Curry’s injury has shone the torch on the Golden State Warriors youngsters’, with the franchise’s future well and truly on display across recent games.

There’s no doubting Curry’s absence is having a big impact — Afterall, the last three wins have been exciting but not overly convincing. This team without him is the furthest thing from a championship-contender as you may get, yet you’re seeing elements for optimism once the 34-year-old superstar retires.

Of Steve Kerr’s usual ten-man rotation over this stretch (James Wiseman missed Friday’s game), seven players are age 25 or below. The Warriors still have Klay Thompson pouring in points to elevate the offense, while Kevon Looney and particularly Draymond Green have been excellent in leading an improved defensive effort over the win-streak.

Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are two of only three players over 25 in the Golden State Warriors’ current rotation. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are two of only three players over 25 in the Golden State Warriors’ current rotation. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

23-year-old Jordan Poole is understanding what it’s like to be the number one option offensively. While he’s understandably made mistakes along the way, the numbers state he’s averaging nearly 30 points per game in Curry’s absence. That includes the first two 40-point games of his career, lifting the Warriors to wins against the Toronto Raptors and most recently Friday’s matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Poole’s fellow guard, Donte DiVincenzo, has been thrust back into a starting role for the first time since Milwaukee championship season in 2020-21. His point-of-attack defense and timely shot-making has been a vital facet to Golden State’s success really all season — The team has a 17-10 record with him and just a 2-8 record without him.

In the absence of Andrew Wiggins, second-year forward Jonathan Kuminga has begun earning the trust of Kerr to close games. His defense is becoming a weapon in the Warriors’ arsenal, and you can see why the Warriors coveted his two-way potential when drafted with the seventh overall pick last season.

Further from that trio, two-way contracted players Ty Jerome and Anthony Lamb continue to put their hand up for a spot on the main roster. Even recent lottery picks James Wiseman and Moses Moody have shown signs of improvement in recent times.

dark. Next. Why the Golden State Warriors will be ultra-hesitant to trade James Wiseman

Golden State are due for reinforcements in the New Year, with Wiggins set to be the first of those. It remains to be seen how the younger players will fold back into more sporadic roles and minutes, but this period may be giving them the necessary confidence to make the Warriors a formidable team once again.

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