Steph’s message to Schröder proves true in the Warriors vs. Wolves originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Steph Curry knew Dennis Schröder wasn’t getting the best first impression of the Warriors more than three quarters after his team debut.
So, leading Golden State, Curry sent a message to the newly acquired veteran guard midway through the fourth quarter during the Warriors’ lopsided loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday.
That message proved true about 48 hours later in Minnesota, during Golden State’s much-needed 113-103 victory over the Timberwolves on Saturday at Target Center.
“I told him midway through the fourth quarter in Memphis, ‘This is not what you’re going to expect every night,’” Curry told Chris Mullin of NBC Sports Bay Area on “Warriors Postgame Live.”
“Luckily that was true tonight.”
Curry was right, and he had a lot to do with the Warriors’ 15th win of the season, scoring a game-high 31 points, 12 of which came over the final 3:10 of the game.
But credit should also be given to Schröder, whose role as Curry’s new defensive partner brought out the best from Golden State’s bench, especially Brandin Podziemski.
“That’s the hope, right,” Curry said of Schröder unlocking the bench. “We talked about integrating Dennis into what we do, but adapting to what he does. I think it helps in two ways: ball handling and playmaking.”
Schröder finished in his second game with the team with nine points, three assists and two rebounds, while Podziemski added 12 points and seven rebounds in 20 minutes of play.
The Warriors’ bench outscored their Timberwolves counterparts by nine points, with Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga combining for 22 points.
“He’s a guy who can set up offense, finish and create,” Curry added. “It helped [Brandin Podziemski] a little bit, which allows him to do all the other things he does so well on the field. His energy.
“He got a couple offensive rebounds, a tip layup in the fourth quarter, just active and engaged. We share all responsibilities, and now Dennis is part of that.”
Now that the message is coming to life, Curry and Co. just hope – for the sake of victory – that Schröder’s two-way play becomes a constant.
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