As the Golden State Warriors prepare to host the Minnesota Timberwolves for Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinals series, head coach Steve Kerr faces the challenge of adjusting his lineup without star guard Stephen Curry, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Following a disappointing 117-93 loss in Game 2, Kerr is looking for solutions to regain momentum in the series, which is currently tied 1-1.
In the aftermath of the Game 2 defeat, Kerr reflected on the need for a strategic shift. "The domino effect of Steph being out led to Trayce playing tonight," Kerr noted, referencing the impressive performance of second-year big man Trayce Jackson-Davis, who shot a perfect 6-for-6 from the field, scoring 15 points in just 19 minutes. "We need the scoring, we need the finishing. You saw what he did out there... We had found a formula over the last couple of months and obviously we’re having a lot of success, but without Steph the formula completely goes out the window, and we’ve got to figure out the next one."
In a surprising move, Kerr decided to elevate Jackson-Davis to the starting lineup for Game 3, alongside Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. This decision marks a significant shift, as Jackson-Davis had played only 24 minutes across five playoff games prior to Game 2, totaling a mere eight points and eight rebounds. Kerr's bold choice to start Jackson-Davis, who essentially replaces one of the greatest perimeter players in NBA history, is indicative of the urgency the Warriors feel as they look to advance in the playoffs.
Jackson-Davis’s journey to this pivotal moment has been remarkable. Selected as the 57th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft out of Indiana, he has shown flashes of potential throughout the season, averaging 6.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting an impressive 57.6% from the field over 62 appearances. However, his playoff experience has been limited, with three games resulting in a DNP (Did Not Play) and only one instance where he exceeded 10 minutes on the court.
As the Warriors gear up for the crucial Game 3, the stakes are high. The Timberwolves, led by their own star players, are determined to take advantage of any weaknesses in the Warriors’ lineup. Minnesota is expected to start Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert, creating a formidable challenge for Golden State.
With Game 4 looming just around the corner on Monday night at the Chase Center, the Warriors must find a way to capitalize on this lineup change and harness the energy of their home crowd. Kerr's decision to start Jackson-Davis could very well be the spark the Warriors need to regain their footing in this series.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, anticipation builds among fans and analysts alike. Can the Warriors adapt to this new dynamic without Curry? Will Jackson-Davis rise to the occasion and deliver another standout performance? The answers will unfold on the court as both teams battle for supremacy in this tightly contested playoff series.
