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Warriors Injury Update: With Chris Paul, Andrew Wiggins, and Gary Payton II Nearing Returns, Steve Kerr Faces “Tough” Decision

Published 12/05/2023, 6:27 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Chris Paul and Andrew Wiggins had gone on the injury list during the Warriors’ matchup against the Clippers. Having slammed the car door on his hand, Wiggins’ fingers were swollen and he could not shoot. CP3, on the other hand, exited the Kings game on November 28 complaining about lower left leg soreness.

This was later revealed as a contusion, and the “Point God” had to be sidelined. But with both All-Stars back in the game, Coach Kerr will have some “tough” decisions to make.

Chris Paul and Wiggs’ arrival leaves Kerr in a tight spot

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Steve Kerr affirmed as much during media talks. Gary Payton II is listed as ‘Out’ as of now. But it seems like he’s also nearing a return. And with that, the GSW coach will have 11 tested and proven players on the roster that, ideally, should see game time. But going 11-deep on a nightly basis is indeed a hard place to be in.

That could be why he responded with a smiling “yes” to the reporter’s question. Nothing more, nothing less. In the absence of star players, Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski have all seen more time on the floor. And they did not disappoint. In fact, going forward, there is every possibility of them taking court more often.

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Just goes to show how well the Warriors’ reserves are shaping up. The veterans have nothing to worry about when they finally hang their boots, for good. But on the flip side, Paul, Wiggs, and, soon, Payton’s arrival couldn’t be at a better time.

The Warriors’ struggles are on an uphill graph

When we talk of the struggles of the Golden State, it is easy to get lost in the stats and technicalities. But what could actually make a difference probably would be for the lead players to get in the right headspace. From being 9-11 in the Western Conference to being eliminated from In-Season Tournament chances, the Dubs’ struggles are more apparent than ever.

“Dumb A**” Move From Steve Kerr Takes Some Blame off of Klay Thompson as Warriors Choke in Final Minutes

While Curry has been performing at an elite level, the rest of the team seems to have a hard time being consistent; be it Thompson not living up to his reputation or Green living up to his. The frustration at not producing, and the pressure of the situation steadily increasing, is getting to everyone, even Steph.

After their loss to Sacramento on November 29th, Curry had advised on how to get out of their current dilemma. “We all go to look ourselves in the mirror, and figure out what we, individually, can do better,” he said.

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No one could have said it better. From the increasing list of knick-knacks (Green’s WWE side, CP3, and ref saga) that are being counterproductive to Kerr’s decisions to keep his veterans on the court, the GSW has been under constant and deep scrutiny.

Hopefully, they can take Steph’s words to heart and mind. And genuinely work on it. Because it’s once again decision-time for the Warrior’s Coach.

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Written by:

Geisha Pulimoottil Don

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“Not only is there more to life than basketball, there’s a lot more to basketball than basketball” - Jackson had a simple philosophy when he was coaching the Lakers. He wanted everyone to succeed and grow in the service of something bigger than themselves. This is what struck me the most.
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