Warriors bench comes up big on opening night

Nemana Bjelica (Google Images)

We all know how much of an impact that Stephen Curry has had on the Golden State Warriors over the years. Last season, he led the NBA in points with 2015, but one must realize that the Warriors are not all about Curry. When they are playing at their highest level, they are getting outstanding contributions from their entire roster.

On Wednesday, in their opening game of the 2021-22 National Basketball Association season, Curry recorded a triple double, as he scored 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. This was on a night when Curry was struggling mightily with his shot. He only made five of 21 field goals for a poor free throw percentage of .238. You know how valuable Curry is when he has a bad shooting night, and still has a triple double.

The Warriors deserve high praise for their overall production on Tuesday. They outscored the Lakers 55-29. Heck, Nemanja Bjelica and Damion Lee had more points off the bench for the Warriors than the entire Lakers bench combined. Lee and Bjelica had 15 points each for 30 points. Bjelica had a double double off the bench, as he led the Warriors with 11 boards.

Another area where Golden State came up huge was in their free throw shooting from their bench players. The five bench players who got into action made 13 of 14 free throws. We all know how valuable Andre Iguodala can be off the Warriors bench. If Lee and Bjelica continue to be productive off the bench for the Warriors this year, Golden State could be a serious threat in the West.

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