Steve Kerr: Warriors 'Can Beat Anybody' in the NBA Without Stephen Curry
March 26, 2018
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Monday the Dubs "can beat anybody in the league" without Stephen Curry, who's currently sidelined with a knee injury.
Melissa Rohlin of the Bay Area News Group provided Kerr's statement of confidence in the depth of his star-studded roster. 95.7 The Game relayed his further explanation:
The comments come one day after the 52-year-old coach told reporters the Warriors don't expect Curry to play in the first round of the 2018 NBA playoffs while recovering from an MCL sprain.
While being without the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player is bad enough, the other members of the Dubs' "Big Four" are also dealing with a variety of ailments right now.
Shooting guard Klay Thompson (thumb) hasn't played since March 11, small forward Kevin Durant (ribs) last took the floor March 14 and power forward Draymond Green (illness) is questionable for Tuesday's clash with the Indiana Pacers.
All three are expected back before the start of the playoffs, but it's not an ideal time for a banged-up roster, especially with Curry's status uncertain.
ESPN Stats & Info showcased the Warriors' drop in performance without their stud point guard:
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfoWith news that Steph Curry will likely miss the remainder of the regular season, here's a look at how the Warriors have done this season with and without him. Spoiler alert - they're better when he plays. You should still read the graphic though. https://t.co/35uo6eFAKS
Their point differential when he doesn't play would only rank ninth in the NBA, one spot ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves, their current projected opponent in the first round.
So, while Golden State would still feature ample talent without Curry, their margin for error is greatly reduced when he's not on the floor.