Steve Kerr and Golden State Warriors face delicate decision after disastrous Game 6

The Golden State Warriors were near on humiliated in a potential close out series game on their home floor on Friday, and now face the challenge of winning a Game 7 on the road in what’s sure to be a hostile crowd at Golden 1 Center.

The defending champions now not only face the prospect of their season being over, but so too their dynastic era with big decisions likely to come during the offseason. At the heart of their issues heading into the do-or-die clash, a lineup decision that’s been boiling away over the last few games.

After a disastrous Game 6 performance, Jordan Poole’s spot in the Golden State Warriors’ starting lineup is practically untenable heading into Game 7.

Starting in his fourth consecutive game, Jordan Poole delivered a paltry seven points on 2-for-11 shooting. It was a nightmare performance for the 23-year-old, but he certainly wasn’t alone in the 118-99 loss.

As the Warriors head to Sacramento, it seems inevitable that Steve Kerr will end the experiment of Poole as a starter and Draymond Green coming off the bench. Further complicating matters is the duo’s relationship which reared its head again in Friday’s game. Poole seemingly wanted no part of Green after a timeout call, with Stephen Curry intervening to address his younger teammate.

The biggest issue is trying to keep Poole engaged — the idea that he may be slightly aloof may seem silly given the stakes, but it’s understandable given what he’s been through this season (the preseason punch, inconsistent role and performance).

It’s a delicate situation Kerr and the veteran core need to manage appropriately. They need Poole to play productively in order to win. Fans were quick to clamour for him to play significantly less in the wake of his performance in Game 6, but starting or not he remains an important piece to Sunday’s game, and Golden State’s future chances should they advance.

Is there a chance that Poole remains a starter purely to have him involved and immersed in the game from the opening tip? The answer is unlikely — one player isn’t above the team, and Golden State simply aren’t in a situation to be risking their season in such a way.

Expect Green to re-enter the starting lineup on Sunday, even if it’s a reactionary move rather than a proactive one. Sure, Poole has some big game experience from last year’s postseason, but it’s nothing on the level of trust that Kerr has in his veteran core.