Kerr Unveils Lineup No. 33: A Strategic Move in Houston
The Warriors faced off against the Rockets on Thursday night, marking their 55th game of the 2024-25 NBA season. Coach Steve Kerr rolled out his 33rd different starting lineup, a move he believes will provide stability and a spark. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, the team’s constants, were joined by Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, replacing Buddy Hield. Kerr’s decision was rooted in the impressive performances of Podziemski and Moody, particularly Podziemski’s recent surge. "Brandin has played so well the last couple weeks that I think he needs to be in that starting group now," Kerr explained. "He gives Steph another ball handler and decision-maker. He makes a lot of plays out of nothing with his brain and his skill."
Early Spark and Late Wobbles
Despite the late-night travel from Dallas to Houston, the new lineup brought an early spark that was both surprising and encouraging. The Warriors built a nine-point lead after the first quarter and extended it to 16 points early in the second. However, the game also highlighted the team’s tendency to falter when Curry is off the court. They managed to construct a 24-point lead by the third quarter, but a familiar wall emerged as the lead dwindled to just two points (91-89) with 6:03 left in the game. Kerr acknowledged the risk he took by resting Curry, Butler, and Green together, a move that backfired, leading to a 32-10 run by the Rockets.
Veterans Step Up in the Clutch
The game’s outcome ultimately hinged on the performance of the Warriors’ veterans. Curry, Butler, and Green combined to score all 12 points in the decisive final four minutes, with Green hitting a crucial triple that sealed the 105-98 victory. "We let one get away last night, but this one tonight we would have lost," Green candidly admitted. "But just having a guy like [Butler] changes everything for us." Butler’s presence made a significant difference, contributing 19 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, with 13 of those points coming in the second half. Curry led the team with 27 points, while Green added 13 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals.
The Role of Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler fills a crucial role for the Warriors, bringing both tangible and intangible benefits. He is adept at drawing fouls, stealing the ball, and scoring from the low post. More importantly, his presence provides a sense of calm and leadership that the team desperately needs. "We have to learn how to close games," Kerr emphasized. "We have not done that well, and we didn’t do it well last night, obviously. So that was an important game for us. We think Jimmy’s presence and skill are going to allow us to finish games much better than we have so far this year. Tonight was a good example of that and hopefully a sign of things to come."
The Impact of the Young Guns
The younger players in the starting lineup, Podziemski and Moody, showed their prowess early on. Podziemski, who has been a defensive stalwart, scored 18 points, with 14 of those coming in the first half. Moody, undefeated as a starter (7-0), added 10 points, two blocks, and a steal, all before halftime. Together with Butler, they effectively limited Houston’s star, Jalen Green, to just nine points on 3-of-10 shooting and four turnovers in 22 minutes. "It was so good to get him out there," Kerr said of Podziemski. "I imagine he’s going to be out there now as a starter for a while, obviously with Steph, Jimmy, and Draymond. I thought Moses complimented those guys really well, too."
A Blend of Youth and Experience
Kerr’s latest lineup is a harmonious blend of youth and experience, featuring players with diverse skills. The team’s speed and agility are highlighted, which could be a significant advantage in the latter part of the season. With Jonathan Kuminga expected to return within a couple of weeks, the Warriors have the luxury of adjusting and experimenting further. For now, though, the coach seems committed to giving this new combination an extended run. "We’ll see how it goes from here," Kerr conceded. "We’ve got options, but I think BP has got to be out there." The decision to make Curry, Butler, and Green available was made after careful consultation with the medical and training staffs, ensuring that the veterans would not be overtaxed.
In a season marked by numerous lineup changes, Kerr’s latest move might just be the key to lifting the Warriors out of their prolonged mediocrity. The new starting five shows promise, and with the right adjustments, they could be the team’s best configuration yet.
