Pat Spencer, the incredible “go-to-guy” of the Warriors

Stephen Curry absentThen Jimmy Butler etc Draymond Green injured in quick succession on Tuesday and Thursday, Golden State had to find a suitable leader during the last two games against the Thunder and Sixers.

The talent of Jonathan Cumminga or from Brandin Pod Ziemia ? Address Moses Moody or from Buddy Hield ? The Warriors haven’t been funny, far from it, during these meetings, but they owe it in a big way Pat Spencer. Yes, Pat Spencer, his “two-way” contract, his age of 29 and his appearance as a “regular” player that you can find on almost any ballpark. The leader was outstanding, and noted for his number one support Steve Kerr.

Face au Thunderhis very good performance in the second half (15 points in 12 minutes) coincided with a strong comeback by the Bay team. Golden State trailed by 22 lengths early in the third quarter before pulling away three times in the fourth quarter thanks to Pat Spencer’s shots.

Coming out with just under four minutes left, he left his team in the lead (107-111), before Oklahoma City made a last-ditch effort to win. ” I would like to give him another minute » Steve Kerr then declared. He gave his speech on Thursday. And Pat Spencer did more than answer the call.

33 points in 45 minutes

In match in a similar scenario in Philadelphia last night the Warriors ran into trouble, trailing 30-10 after 12 minutes. Before finally falling short in a crazy late game, and despite another great performance from their number 61. For the second straight time, Pat Spencer finished as his team’s leading scorer and leading passer (17 points on 8/14, 6 assists in 21 minutes against OKC, 16 points, 4 assists for Six2). ” Pat is simply amazing », Steve Kerr said of him on Tuesday. « He is a great professional, a competitor. He can play any role, he will be the same man every day whether he plays 21 minutes or none. He’s very good at attacking the rim on the pick-and-roll, a real strength in this type of action, especially in the modern gap game. And he’s a good passer. »

Although the starters were very disappointing, the Warriors third rotation with Quinten Post, Guy Santos or even a ghost De’Anthony Melton led by Pat Spencer. The difference in desire and dynamism between him and Brandin Podziemski was obvious, reflected in the +/- ratio of the two players: +17 for Pat Spencer, again the best of the Warriors, against -20 for “Podz”.

This time, leaving his “veteran” on the floor to finish the match was ” an obvious fact » responded Steve Kerr. « Pat was simply amazing. He controlled the match. With him, it is only positive. You want to stand for something as an organization, you want to have an identity. And that has to go through the spirit of the competition, to play collectively, and that’s what’s so beautiful about this group that finished the match. »

Pat Spencer led the way with 12 points in the final quarter, including a 3-pointer that Stephen Curry wouldn’t deny, a foot behind the line despite the long arms of Adem Bona, giving the visitors a four-point lead with 1 minute and 12 remaining.

The right choices and confidence are all the warriors need while their handlers are on the sidelines. ” Without Steph, he has to be on the floor, that’s for sure » confirmed Steve Kerr.

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« When we have a specific number 30, we have a clear idea of ​​the player identity we want on the floor » explained Pat Spencer at the press conference. ” When it’s not there, we tend to slow down the game with certain groups. With others we have a bit more rhythm. Right now, with injuries and absences, we’re trying to really find an identity where we’re at. I feel like I can have a major role in the equation, but I don’t envy Steve Kerr’s work at all. »

A future dilemma for the Warriors?

If Bay the technician reminded that “ every match is different » and no rotation was mapped out, the rise of Pat Spencer could end up becoming an increasingly difficult choice for the Warriors. His “two-way” contract will mechanically limit him to the duration of the season, which has already been used 15 times since the restart. ” He’s limited to 55 games so we’ll have to leave him off the record once Steph comes back and knowing we have De’Anthony Melton » complained Steve Kerr to the media after the loss to Oklahoma City. ” But Pat is an NBA player. He has a permanent place in our team. And we didn’t have the luxury of not having him with us for those first 22 games. »

« It would be great to find a way to have him on our permanent roster because he’s kind of the perfect backup guy. » insisted the technician on Thursday. ” He can win you games like he almost did tonight. But when he’s not playing, he brings the same energy, the same attitude. It would be great if we could find a solution, but it’s a bit complicated. »

Before thinking about the future, Pat Spencer will be able to use the rest of the Warriors’ road trip and back-to-back games in Chicago and Cleveland on Saturday and Sunday to prove his worth a little more.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.