golden state warriors bench (Photo: @10milekid Instagram account)
For the Golden State Warriors, the win last night over the Detroit Pistons wasn’t perfect.
Their superstar, Stephen Curry, struggled to shoot the ball as effectively as he normally does.
Their defensive anchor, Andrew Bogut, who had been out the past seven games with an injured left shoulder, wasn’t the dominant, defensive center that he normally is.
Their double-double machine, David Lee, was out with the flu.
However, the Warriors found a way to win because of their bench. The Warriors’ bench production has been heavily criticized this season, but in the past few games, the bench has made significant contributions to the Warriors’ wins.
On February 20th, the Warriors beat the Houston Rockets 102-99. Steve Blake made his Warriors’ debut during that game.
Although he scored just three points, Blake admirably led the second unit in the Warriors’ win, despite not having even one practice or shootaround under his belt.
Jordan Crawford also contributed to the Warriors’ win over the Rockets with his 12 points on 4-for-8 shooting.
On February 22nd, the Warriors beat the Brooklyn Nets behind stellar performances from two players who normally come off the bench, but started because of injuries to Lee and Bogut.
Jermaine O’Neal recorded his first double-double of the season and set season highs of 23 points and 13 rebounds. Draymond Green had a career-high 18 points and 10 rebounds, which was the second double-double of his career.
Mark Jackson commended these two players’ grit and energy.
“That’s what this team is about,” Jackson said, “Guys stepping up and responding. We needed big energy, big effort and big-time games from both Jermaine and Draymond, and those guys responded.”
Several reserves contributed to the win over the Pistons on Monday. Blake had six points and two assists, and Green had six points and five rebounds.
The two main scorers off the bench also had great nights. Harrison Barnes had 11 points, four assists, and five rebounds, and Crawford had 15 points, his highest scoring output since becoming a Warrior.
The Warriors’ reserves even out-scored the Pistons’ reserves 42-15.
Jackson said after the Warriors’ win over the Pistons that he was impressed by the bench production.
“I thought it was great,” Jackson said, “Guys really responded, especially that first half. Our bench was the key; they got us back in the ball game. They increased the intensity. I thought offensively, they did a great job of making the right play.”
Jackson also commended Crawford and Blake, specifically, after the game.
“I know people look and say, well we had to go get Steve Blake,” Jackson added, “We went to get Steve Blake because of his ability to run a team, compete, and he gives us tremendous depth. Jordan (Crawford) had been playing well since we got him offensively. He has been a guy who has been a willing passer. Even tonight he turned down a wide open shot for a guy (Harrison Barnes) who had it going.”
If the Warriors’ bench continues to play well together and contribute consistently for the rest of the season, the Warriors could make a strong push into the playoffs.
[NOTE: Poor Man’s Commish contributed to this report]
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