Warriors Plus Minus: A show about the Golden State Warriors

Marcus Thompson, Tim Kawakami and Nick Friedell get together to chat about the Warriors' last few games. Having won 4 of their last 5, are we seeing legit improvement? Where can the roster and rotations change? Plus, we hear from De'Anthony Melton after the Christmas Day game on his return and shaking off the rust. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've got some of the details and what the people involved have to say about the heated exchange between Draymond Green and Steve Kerr that led to Green's benching and stole the show from the Warriors' 23-point win over Orlando. You'll hear from Green, Kerr, and Stephen Curry, as well as Marcus Thompson discussing the impact of this latest Warriors drama. Never a dull moment with the Dubs. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Warriors' defensive anchor picked up consecutive technical fouls with 10:39 left in the second quarter and was ejected. But the Warriors found enough scoring and defense to beat Phoenix and snap their three-game skid. But did they find some answers to their issues? Tim Kawakami and Marcus Thompson discuss the Warriors finally getting a clutch-game win, which included a big bench performance and another good Jimmy Butler game. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pat Spencer, a former collegiate lacrosse star turned professional basketball player, shares his unconventional journey to the NBA. He discusses the challenges of handling newfound media attention while prioritizing family. Pat highlights how lacrosse skills aid his basketball play, especially in spacing and defense. He reflects on competing against teammates like Draymond Green and his growth in shooting and confidence. With insights on his relationship with Coach Steve Kerr and the importance of team success, Spencer embraces the challenges of being an undersized player.

Discussions heat up around Jonathan Kuminga's recent benchings, questioning the dynamics between player and coach. Tim and Marcus analyze whether Kerr’s system truly suits Kuminga's skill set and the implications of forcing a fit. They also introduce emerging talents Pat Spencer and De'Anthony Melton, highlighting their immediate impact on the team. The hosts compare different player roles and evaluate the potential changes in Warriors' rotations, showcasing the tension between athleticism and strategy.

Nick Friedell, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, joins to discuss Pat Spencer's breakout game with the Warriors. They delve into Spencer's unconventional journey from lacrosse to the NBA and highlight his intense work ethic that improved his shooting. The conversation includes locker-room dynamics and the team's response to Jonathan Kuminga's struggles. Friedell shares insights on how Spencer's experience at 29 influences his game, and they speculate on roster implications as the team looks ahead to upcoming matches.

The Warriors put up a brave fight against the champs, fueled by standout performances from Pat Spencer and Seth Curry. The hosts debate if the close loss can be seen as a moral victory, emphasizing the importance of scoring balance. With Steph Curry sidelined, they ponder the impact on upcoming road games. The discussion ranges from the need for off-the-dribble scorers to the significance of energetic role players. Trade rumors heat up as they explore potential roster moves, eyeing players that could enhance the team's dynamic.

The hosts dive into the Warriors' rocky 10-10 start, dissecting a recent nail-biting loss to the Rockets. With Steph Curry's injury looming, they discuss the team's defensive woes, dubbing its play as 'soft.' Insights from Draymond highlight accountability, while the conversation shifts to the bench's performance—featuring emerging talent like Will Richard. Trade talks spark intrigue as potential lineup adjustments are suggested for the challenging road ahead.

The hosts dive into the Warriors' challenging 3-3 road trip, highlighting fatigue and critical wins. They debate the need for roster upgrades and how Jonathan Kuminga's presence affects team dynamics. The synergy between Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler is explored, suggesting shared minutes could be beneficial. They also assess potential midseason additions and the importance of bench scoring. With an easier schedule ahead, they set expectations for upcoming wins and discuss the impact of December fatigue on the team's performance.

Steph Curry lit up the court with 46 points, while Jimmy Butler hit five threes for 26 points. Draymond Green showcased stellar defense against rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. The Warriors responded dramatically after a rough loss in Oklahoma City, proving their capacity to bounce back. The hosts analyze key players' impacts, including Gary Payton II’s clutch plays and Jordan Poole's ups and downs. The locker room vibe shifted from tension to relief, reflecting a renewed sense of optimism for upcoming challenges.