Los Golden State Warriors achieved an important victory as visitors in Washington por 127-118, in a game that once again had them on the ropes for a good part of the day. Beyond the triumph Steve Kerr’s men continue to leave doubts about their level and suffer around 50% of wins, in the Play-In zone of the Western Conference. even with a Stephen Curry brillante (41 against Washington) and a Jordan Poole that responds to each ownership (32 vs. Wizards).
However, it is known that The problem for these Warriors is their depth and their options on the bench. The youngsters have not made the expected leap in quality and Kerr has had to resort to unexpected names in the season previewlooking for a solidity and regularity that at least allows them to sustain in part what the headlines build.
Among those unexpected names appears one that begins to take more and more prominence. Anthony Lamb, 24-year-old forward and three seasons of experiencewhich is having in Golden State its first real option of important minutes in the league. And that despite being on the team with a contract of double viais looking like one of those reliable chips that the Warriors can find for the postseason.
Against Washington, Lamb had one of his best games: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4-5 from the field and 2-2 from triples in 25 minutesbut the most important and striking thing: a +36 in his stretches in the fieldin contrast to -27 for the rest of the match.
Wizards go to box-and-1 against Steph and the Warriors swing the ball around till they get an Anthony Lamb corner 3. pic.twitter.com/b7XB3KU5Ws
— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) January 16, 2023
Warriors typically look for three things from their role players (and even from their figures as well): They can pass the ball, defend and score from three. While other teams prioritize specialists, super athletes or creators in one-on-one situations, Golden State always aims for those kinds of versatile pieces, capable of fulfilling different roles and positions within a lineup.
Lamb complies with it… At least in large part. A Forward barely 1.98m tall but very strongwhich throws above the 40% in tripleshas good vision as a passer and is capable of helping as a rebounder (although he gives his advantages in other defensive areas).
Oh my … This sequence by Anthony Lamb 😲 pic.twitter.com/6iBy61VsIy
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 15, 2023
Their almost 105 kilos of power They are key for the Warriors to use in their lineups of small-ballentering the quintet by Kevon Looney for win one more shot option. And while it’s obviously going to be Looney on the field when push comes to shove, Lamb’s establishment as a rotation player gives Kerr another card to play at certain times or games.
Possibly, Golden State will have to make a decision with the eaves, since due to its double track condition, you cannot use it for the whole season. Will he transform his contract into a 100% NBA one? With the drought that has been his second unit this season, it wouldn’t be surprising at all.
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA or its organizations.
