3 Golden State Warriors who need to step up with Stephen Curry out
By Alan Mena
1. D’Angelo Russell
D’Angelo Russell‘s sudden opportunity to take the helm of the Golden State Warriors’ offense happened once Stephen Curry broke his hand almost two weeks ago.
Somehow this current situation Russell is in can be compared to his role in Brooklyn the last two seasons, which resulted in him finally having a breakout year and getting a taste of the playoffs.
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In November (four games), D-Lo is averaging 36.3 points, 7.0 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 35 minutes a game, shooting 48.6 percent overall, 42.2 percent on 11.3 3-point attempts per game and 82.8 percent at the line . D-Lo has scored at least 30 points in each game, notably recording a career-high 52 points in a loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
D-Lo’s outstanding offensive production has bumped his season averages to 26.3 points (10th in the NBA), 6.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 0.8 steals in 32.4 minutes a game across eight appearances, shooting 45.1 percent overall, 39.1 percent on 8.6 deep tries a night and 74.5 percent from the free throw line.
While D-Lo is producing his best numbers on the offensive end, he needs to make an extended effort on the other end of the floor. Although he only played eight games, his defensive rating (119) is the worst of his career and while D-Lo is averaging a career-best offensive rating of 113, that is still a net negative.
As everyone knows, offense does not win games, nor does it win championships. If D-Lo can become more effective on the defensive end moving forward, he will put the Warriors in a better position to win more games than they are currently expected to.