Golden State Warriors shooting guard D’Angelo Russell was acquired in a sign-and-trade with the Brooklyn Nets to provide shooting help in Klay Thompson’s ACL-related absence. In the Warriors’ first preseason outing, Russell struggled mightily — making just two of his nine field-goal attempts and none of his four shots from 3-point range, for four points.
His performance against the Timberwolves on Thursday night was a vast improvement. Russell was third-best in scoring behind Stephen Curry (40 points) and Jordan Poole (19 points), with 16 points. He also contributed five assists, two blocks and one rebound.
After the win, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he wanted to see the team develop efficiency-wise, not only for the sake of winning but to ease Curry’s scoring load. Russell was +0 in plus/minus on Thursday, a major step above his -19 in Golden State’s first preseason outing against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Most impressive about Russell’s game? He can shoot over two or three defenders, create separation to get up jumpers and break ankles with tricky handles and creative passing, something Curry loves about his game.
Watch: D-Lo vs. the Timberwolves
Russell is an All-Star with four years of NBA experience, but Poole has outperformed him off the bench in two straight games. Is it possible that the $117 million man could lose his starting job to a rookie? Unlikely. If anything, Poole is just a major sigh of relief for a Golden State team in search of bench depth; Russell, most likely, will continue to acclimate to the Warriors system.
Next up, the Warriors head to L.A. for two preseason contests against the Lakers (Monday, Oct. 14 and Wednesday, Oct. 16) before concluding the preseason at home — also against the Lakers (!!!) — on Friday, Oct. 18.
The Warriors open their 2019-20 regular season at home on Oct. 24, against the Clippers.
