Golden State Warriors Are Finding Balance Beyond Stephen Curry
The over-reliance on Stephen Curry has been a major issue for the Golden State Warriors in recent years, particularly as the two-time MVP enters his 17th season and nears the age of 38.
While Curry has always been—and will always be—the central figure in the Warriors’ system, the team is gradually finding ways to allow the superstar to rest without worrying about being heavily outscored when he isn’t on the floor.

Lessons from Non-Curry Minutes
The acquisition of Jimmy Butler last February significantly changed the dynamics of the Warriors’ minutes without Curry, but now the team also has D’eAnthony Melton and Al Horford back in full health after injury-impacted starts to the season.
This return has strengthened Golden State’s depth, giving head coach Steve Kerr more flexibility to rotate players effectively in long, grueling games.

A Clear Example: The Sacramento Kings Blowout
Nothing highlighted Golden State’s growing strength in non-Curry minutes more than the third quarter of their dominant win over the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center on Friday night.
Although a 34-point victory looks comfortable on paper, the reality through nearly three quarters was far from easy and required significant effort from the supporting cast.

The Bench Takes Control
When Curry subbed out for Butler with three minutes remaining in the quarter, the game was tied 84-84, and the Warriors had yet to establish separation.
However, Butler, Melton, Horford, and their teammates quickly swung momentum, finishing the quarter on a 13-0 run, putting the home team fully in control and setting the stage for a dominant finish.

Bench Production Sparks the Team
A notable measure of the Warriors’ bench strength is the 66-38 scoring differential, which helped the team rise from 19th to 15th in the bench net rating rankings.
Over the past ten games, Golden State has climbed to fifth in bench net rating, a trend that coincides perfectly with Horford’s return from injury in the Christmas Day matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.

Numbers Tell Only Part of the Story
While recent results may have been aided by a relatively easier schedule, having players like Horford, Melton, Brandin Podziemski, and the promising young Will Richard gives the Warriors a stronger bench than they’ve shown for much of the season.
This depth doesn’t just provide tactical flexibility—it allows Kerr to manage Curry’s minutes efficiently while maintaining the team’s competitive edge in every game.

Strategic Advantage for Golden State

If this recent bench surge proves sustainable, it represents a massive boost for the Warriors in terms of managing Curry’s workload, especially in the final stretch of the season when every minute of the superstar counts.
Curry, who is on the verge of becoming a 12-time All-Star, remains one of the league’s elite performers, making it crucial for Golden State to protect his health while maximizing team output.

Adding More Talent Around Curry
The team now only needs to add more talent next to Curry in the starting lineup, which would bolster the team’s overall strength and prepare them for the playoffs, where rotations shrink and top-tier talent becomes even more critical.
Fortunately, Warriors have a simple path forward: Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, who together make nearly $32 million, are currently not part of the rotation, offering Golden State a chance to enhance their lineup without additional financial strain.

The Future for the Team and Curry
A strong bench allows the Warriors to optimize Curry’s effectiveness, reduce the risk of injury, and keep him at peak performance for crucial matchups.
If Golden State capitalizes on this depth, they could enter the postseason with a balanced core, turning Curry from just a superstar into the centerpiece of a complete and well-rounded team.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

The rise of the bench also sends a positive signal to fans, as the team no longer relies entirely on Curry for victories.
This newfound depth boosts confidence in close games while giving young players like Richard and Podziemski a chance to gain valuable NBA experience, ensuring the team has talent ready for both the present and future.

Conclusion
Golden State Warriors are gradually perfecting their roster—from managing Curry’s health to leveraging bench strength and developing emerging talent.
If this momentum continues, the team could approach the rest of the season with a well-rounded unit, prepared for any challenge, and positioning Curry as both a leader and a critical link in a championship-contending machine.