The Golden State Warriors may be finally abandoning the small-ball identity that defined the dynasty era. After surrendering an 11-point lead and a decisive rebounding battle in a 127-123 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged that bigger lineups are now a serious consideration.
The defeat marked the team’s third consecutive loss and once again highlighted Golden State’s most glaring weakness: interior size.
Kerr Admits Size Problem After Blazers Dominate Glass
Portland pummeled the Warriors on the offensive boards, grabbing 12 more offensive rebounds and turning those extra possessions into a 28-10 advantage in second-chance points — the difference in the game.
“It’s a concern,” Kerr said. “We’ve been playing relatively small lineups with Draymond [Green] at the five. We’ll think about going back to Quinten [Post] to get more size out there. That’s definitely a possibility. We’ll have to get a good gauge on our team this week and watch the film.”
Kerr experimented with larger combinations in the second half, pairing multiple bigs in extended stretches.
“We may have to shift the combinations and play bigger more often — play two bigs more often,” he added. “Somebody with Dray, whether it’s Al [Horford] or QP or Trayce [Jackson-Davis]. So we have to look at that for sure.”
Numbers Reveal Warriors’ Size Problem
The Warriors are one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA. They currently have:
- No player averages at least 7 rebounds per game.
- 22nd in team rebounding (42.2 per game)
- 18th in opponent rebounds allowed (44.6 per game)
- 20th in second-chance points allowed (16.1 per game)
Their leading rebounder — Jonathan Kuminga, at just 6.6 per game — is currently out with a knee injury.
Injuries Threaten Kerr’s Plan to Go Big
Addressing the size problem is now even more complicated, as Golden State may not have the personnel to go bigger.
Veteran center Horford is expected to miss at least one week due to sciatica, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole reported. The setback arrives after Horford already missed seven of the Warriors’ first 18 games. He left Friday’s loss with hamstring tightness.
“I’m not sure what it is,” Kerr said, confirming Horford was “unavailable” with no timetable.
Meanwhile, Green is questionable with a foot injury, per Poole. If Green sits, the Warriors could enter Monday’s game against the Utah Jazz with depleted frontcourt depth and few available options to attempt bigger lineups.
Warriors’ $12 Million Gamble on Horford Already Raising Questions
GettyGolden State Warriors center Al Horford is out again for at least a week.
Golden State signed Horford to the full mid-level exception to stabilize the center position and allow Kerr the flexibility to go big. So far, the investment has backfired.
Horford is averaging career lows across the board: 5.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 21.8 minutes while shooting 32% from three.
The Warriors envisioned Horford as a floor-spacing veteran anchor. Instead, he has struggled to stay healthy and has played beneath expectations when available — and the contract now looms over the roster construction.
Pressure Mounts as Warriors Search for Answers
Golden State’s identity has long been built on speed, spacing and small-ball versatility. But the early-season slide, mounting losses inside the paint, and Horford’s unreliability may force Kerr to pivot into unfamiliar territory.
Whether the Warriors can adapt — and whether they have the bodies available to do so — could determine if this team recovers or slips deeper into the Western Conference standings before the trade market heats up in January.
Steve Kerr Hints at Shocking Warriors Lineup Change