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Warriors Tweak Tempo, Workloads as NBA’s Pace Surges

Golden State is leaning on communication to steady an older rotation in a season playing at its fastest pace since 1985-86.

Overview

  • After a 4-1 start, Golden State dropped consecutive games to the Pacers and Bucks that highlighted gaps in transition and rotation defense.
  • Steve Kerr said opponents are spreading the floor and speeding actions, and the Warriors through seven games rank ninth in defense, 17th in offense and 19th in pace.
  • Kerr met with GM Mike Dunleavy and player-health chief Rick Celebrini to map out veteran minute management under the NBA’s rest rules.
  • Al Horford sat Tuesday against the Suns for left toe management and to avoid a back-to-back, while Jimmy Butler was listed questionable with back soreness but started.
  • Practices emphasized shared terminology and on-court communication as the team seeks a balance between Stephen Curry’s quick-read offense and deliberate Jimmy Butler isolations, with a compact schedule contributing to fatigue.