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Golden State Warriors: Did Rockets game hint at mindset change for Steve Kerr?

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 24: Patrick Baldwin Jr. #7 of the Golden State Warriors shoots against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on February 24, 2023 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 - FEBRUARY 24: Patrick Baldwin Jr. #7 of the Golden State Warriors shoots against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on February 24, 2023 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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An undermanned Golden State Warriors got a crucial 116-101 win over the Houston Rockets at Chase Center on Friday, doing so with greater contributions from a pair of younger players.

While Klay Thompson led the way with 42 points including 12 three-pointers, both second-year wing Moses Moody and rookie forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. saw meaningful minutes in Steve Kerr’s rotation.

Did Friday’s game against the Houston Rockets hint at a mindset change for Steve Kerr on the Golden State Warriors’ rotation?

Many fans had been yearning to see more of Baldwin given his ultra-impressive shooting ability at 6’9″. At the same time, the future of forward Anthony Lamb continues to be under the microscope, with the 25-year-old available for just five further games on his two-way contract. Having shot the ball at a ridiculous 47.5% on 59 attempts this season, many believe Baldwin should now be ahead of Lamb in the Golden State pecking order.

After an impressive 11 points in ten garbage-time minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, Baldwin saw just under 16 minutes in the regular rotation against the Rockets. He made the most of his opportunities yet again, knocking down another three triples to finish with 11 points and three rebounds.

Was it a sign that we could see more of Baldwin throughout the latter period of the season? While he and Lamb could theoretically battle for minutes given they both play significant time at the four, the question might be more between Lamb and Moody. The latter played nearly 13 minutes against the Rockets, though Lamb was still preferred having score eight points and grabbing seven rebounds in just over 20 minutes.

Baldwin is likely to remain out of the Golden State rotation when they’re near full health, something they weren’t on Friday when minus Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins in the frontcourt. In fact, you’d argue all three would be out of a full-strength Warriors team should they make the postseason.

Next. Wiggins out, Green questionable for Golden State Warriors’ crucial clash. dark

It’s hard to distinguish any change in mindset from Kerr, rather the presence of Moody and Baldwin was simply a ‘must’ given the lack of player availability. Still, it’s some sort of satisfaction for fans who believe we should have seen more of them this season.

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