“Curry’s Record-Breaking Scoring Load Amid Kerr’s Load Management Efforts”

Stephen Curry is shouldering his highest scoring burden ever for the Warriors, maintaining a scorching start to the season with an average of 30 points per game and historic three-point shooting efficiency. Despite playing just 32 minutes per game, three less than last season and his lowest career average, Curry leads the league in total points.

This intentional load management by coach Steve Kerr is strategic, considering Curry’s upcoming 36th birthday in March and the potential for increased playoff minutes. The Warriors, although statistically performing better without Curry on the floor in the early season, face challenges due to struggles from key players like Andrew Wiggins.

Wiggins’ negative impact when sharing the court with Curry, a 40-point swing over 100 possessions, raises concerns. The Warriors, lacking offensive firepower beyond Curry, are grappling with inconsistencies from players like Chris Paul and Klay Thompson. The team’s offensive struggles are evident, with no player other than Curry scoring over 20 points in a game this season.

The 13.6-point gap between Curry’s scoring and the team’s second-leading scorer underscores the team’s dependence on him. The delicate balance for Kerr lies in preserving Curry’s minutes during the regular season while ensuring he’s ready to go “nuclear” in the playoffs. Despite a 6-3 record, the Warriors’ narrow margins in some games highlight the challenges Kerr faces in optimizing the team’s performance without over-relying on Curry.