Steve Kerr lavished praise on Chris Paul following the Warriors’ 112-102 victory over the Spurs, highlighting his pivotal role in the absence of Stephen Curry. Paul’s stellar performance, boasting 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, led Kerr to commend his exceptional talent and contributions to the team’s success.
Amid Curry’s absence, Paul stepped up admirably, orchestrating the game’s flow, making crucial shots, facilitating plays, and demonstrating his versatility on both ends of the court. Kerr emphasized Paul’s Hall of Fame-caliber skills, acknowledging him as one of the premier point guards in history, still showcasing remarkable abilities.
Despite missing a significant portion of the season due to injury, Paul’s impact has been notable, averaging 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 7.1 assists across 40 games. Operating primarily as a backup guard, he effectively manages the game’s tempo and complements the team’s star players, including Trayce Jackson-Davis and Klay Thompson.
With Curry sidelined, the Warriors heavily rely on Paul’s heightened production to navigate through challenging stretches. While a near triple-double performance like his against the Spurs may not be the norm, his exceptional playmaking skills are instrumental in maximizing the team’s supporting cast during this period.
"I don't expect him to play in Dallas."
Kerr gives an update on Steph's ankle injury š½ pic.twitter.com/IE1qWBaOgC
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) March 12, 2024
Looking ahead, Curry’s absence poses a significant challenge for the Warriors, particularly in crucial matchups like the upcoming game against the Dallas Mavericks. Kerr confirmed Curry’s unavailability for the game, emphasizing the team’s need to rally and build confidence in his absence.
The Warriors’ dependency on Curry has been evident throughout the season, with their victory over the Spurs marking their first win without him. They face the daunting task of maintaining their playoff contention amidst fierce competition, currently trailing behind in the standings and facing a pivotal showdown with the Lakers.
The outcome of critical matchups, especially against fellow playoff contenders like the Lakers, could significantly impact the Warriors’ postseason prospects. Without Curry, their position in the standings remains precarious, emphasizing the urgency of their upcoming games and the need for collective effort to secure favorable outcomes.
