Curry is a two-time regular-season MVP, eight-time All-Star, two-time NBA scoring champion, NBA all-time three-pointer, NBA 75 superstar, and now he is the golden state Warriors' best sixth man. In the last three playoff games, Kerr has chosen to start Jordan Poole instead of Curry. Poole played a huge role, making a big difference, and helped the Warriors temporarily lead the Denver Nuggets 3-0 in the first round.
Curry came off the bench mainly because he missed the last 12 games of the regular season due to a left foot bone contusion and ligament sprain. With him out of the game for so long, the Warriors wanted to be on the safe side. If the Warriors want to make great strides in the playoffs, they need Curry to stay healthy and get as close to 100% as possible. That's why in his first game against the Nuggets, Curry came off the bench and was limited by playing time.
Curry has limited playing time, but his playing time has been steadily improving. G1, Curry played nearly 22 minutes; G2, Curry played nearly 23 minutes. In the third game, Curry's playing time has increased significantly, already exceeding 30 minutes. That's very close to his season average of 34.5 minutes per game.
So, in the upcoming G4 game, is it necessary for Curry to continue to play as a substitute? On the bench, Curry averaged 25.7 points and 4.7 assists per game, shooting 55.3 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range. Although he didn't play very long, his offensive efficiency was outstanding. But as a superstar, 4 consecutive off-the-bench appearances, can Curry really accept it?
Within the NBA league, Curry is praised for his humble and selfless character. After he conceded the starting position, Poole's performance was quite powerful. In the past three games, Poole has averaged 28.7 points, 4.7 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal in 32.7 minutes per game. He shot 66.7 percent from the field, 59.1 percent from three-point range and 81.0 percent from the free throw line, which is all-Star level statistic.
However, if the Warriors want to compete for the championship, they will certainly not let Curry continue to play on the bench. In preparation for the next round, Kerr should consider lifting Curry to the starting line-up in G4. Earlier, he said: "Curry's situation of playing as a substitute will not last long, depending on how long he can play, and the feedback of the team doctor during training." ”
In the previous 12 seasons, Curry had only made two playoff appearances as a substitute. This season, Curry has played three games off the bench. With 30 minutes left in the third game, with the upcoming G4, Cole really doesn't have to let Curry play as a substitute anymore.