The start of the new year hasn’t been kind to the Golden State Warriors. The team has lost five straight games, and one common factor during their losing streak is the absence of D’Angelo Russell.
In the Warriors’ first of five consecutive losses, Russell collided with Slovenian star, Luka Doncic. The Louisville, Kentucky native was down on the court for several minutes, with even a stretcher coming out onto the floor for a moment. Yet, Russell was able to walk to the locker room on his own accord.
Surprisingly, Russell returned to the bench quickly and finished out the Warriors 141-121 loss to Dallas. Since then, the Ohio State product hasn’t appeared for the Warriors, missing all four games into 2020 with a shoulder injury.
Without Russell, Golden State has looked sloppy, losing all four games by a combined margin of 39 points. Still, the Warriors are being cautious with their All-Star guard, ruling him out for his fifth straight game, this time against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Without Russell, a trio of Warriors have stepped up their scoring output. Starting with Omari Spellman, who has scored double-digit numbers in his last three games, shooting 5-of-8 from beyond the arc in that time. Steve Kerr recently mentioned that Spellman has earned more playing time due to his effort of late.
Glenn Robinson III is averaging 15.5 points per game, shooting a steady 45.5 % from the field over his last four games. Alec Burks has backed Robinson’s consistent play up, adding 18.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while Russell has been injured.
While missing their leading scorer in Russell hurts, there is some good news for the Warriors when they suit up against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. After missing Golden State’s past game with an ankle ailment, Draymond Green will return to the court when Milwaukee makes their first appearance in the new Chase Center.
Last time Green suited up for a game, he was ejected against the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter after receiving back-to-back technicals. The Warriors will need Green to be on their best behavior as they need all the help they can get against the Eastern Conference-leading, Milwaukee Bucks.
