Golden State Warriors: How Important is Their Bench?

Dec 10, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach talks to guard Charles Jenkins (22) and forward Draymond Green (23 ) during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

The starters for the Warriors have played extremely well through the course of this year – Curry, Thompson, Barnes, Lee, and Ezeli, especially guard Stephen Curry and forward David Lee who have been playing out of their minds.

But what makes them such a good overall team is their depth – without a question.

The Warriors are 16-8 on the season right now coming off a seven game road trip in which they went 6-1 while defeating the reigning champs Miami Heat in one of their match-ups. A large part of their success is because of what their bench has provided them on a consistent basis – energy and toughness.

What impresses me about the Warriors reserves is how each and one of them know their role and plays it particularly well. Head coach Mark Jackson has established a very good bench; he’s having guys come in, do what they’re supposed to do, and it’s created such a significant impact on basketball games.

The most productive two off the bench have been guard Jarret Jack and forward Carl Landry. You can certainly make an argument for either of them for sixth man of the year, as they have both been incredible assets to the Warriors. Jackson typically has both of them in his finishing lineup down the stretch because of what they can bring to the table.

Jarret Jack has played very well as a scorer and as a facilitator. He comes in to provide an offensive spark for the team and has done that very well. He’s a good scorer and a solid play maker, but what makes him special is how he allows Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to play off the ball where they are most successful at. Coach Jackson has Jarret Jack playing the point guard position towards the end of games so Curry and Thompson can play off the ball and get their shots up. Jack is averaging 13.8 points and 5.3 assists as a reserve in the last 10 games for the Warriors.

Then there’s the low post presence – Carl Landry. He’s been a fantastic low post player for the Warriors with his toughness, aggression, and energy that comes with his game. He plays in that final lineup down the stretch as well at the power forward position. He is averaging 12.9 points and 6.8 rebounds off the bench and has made some clutch buckets when the Warriors were in need.

Rookie Draymond Green has been an impact off the bench and is a perfect example of playing your role. He comes in to provide a defensive spark and to rebound the basketball. He brings a lot of energy and is amazingly tough as he was the one who defended LeBron James throughout most of the game when the Warriors took on the Heat. With Richard Jefferson out temporarily and Brandon Rush suffering a season ending injury, Green has been asked to play a more significant role that comes with much more minutes. He has been impressive taking on that role and is beginning to become a special piece for the Dubs.

Lastly other reserves such as Charles Jenkins and Andris Biedrins have added some offensive and defensive spark for the Warriors as well.

The Golden State Warriors are playing their best basketball they’ve played in years, and their record says it all at 16-8. If they continue to play at the level they are currently playing at, this could be a very successful season for the Dubs.