The Golden State Warriors have been playing with a newfound energy since Stephen Curry’s muscle strain sidelined him. A key piece of that resurgence has been two-way guard Pat Spencer, and Curry publicly praised his impact.
“He just has a presence about him that he just knows the game, plays with 120% of confidence every time he’s out there,” Curry told the media earlier today. “It was cool to see him kind of adapt to what we needed pretty much overnight.”
Curry noted that Spencer allows him to play off the ball, taking on more playmaking and initiating duties. Curry has consistently thrived by drawing attention to himself off the ball to create open looks for his teammates, and this combination could unlock new, dynamic lineups for the Dubs.
Curry is expected to return to the lineup tomorrow against the Minnesota Timberwolves, so we don’t have to wait much longer to see the two on the court. With the schedule offering 14 of their next 20 games at home, a midseason turnaround for head coach Steve Kerr’s squad – currently sitting at 13-12 and 10th in the Western Conference – is within reach.
“I think me and him are competing for crazy celebrations and stuff,” Curry joked to the media upon being asked about Spencer’s competitive spirit. “I remember the first day I played pick up with him, he was talking trash to me, like three years ago, right before training camp.”
The chemistry between Curry and Spencer is already evident. However, Spencer’s breakout is presenting a tough choice for the Warriors front office. Two-way players are limited to 50 games, and Spencer has already been active for 23 of them. If he’s not converted, he won’t be eligible to play in the playoffs. Currently, the Warriors roster is full with 15 players.
Steve Kerr didn’t shy away from emphasizing the impact Spencer has had on the team, highlighting how desperately the Warriors need a dependable backup. “It’ll be great to find a way to get him on the roster because he’s kind of the perfect guy to have as a backup,” Kerr told the media. “If he doesn’t play, he brings the same energy, the same attitude the next game. It would be great if we could find a way, but it’s a little tricky.”
With Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody struggling (shooting a combined 38.3% from the field over their last five games), Spencer has stepped up, averaging 13.6 points on 59.6% from the field and a blistering 66.7% from three in Stephen Curry’s absence.
GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. and his front office now face tough decisions: Do they part ways with other pieces to make space for Spencer? Or do they let his deal run out? Only time will tell.