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Kristaps Porzingis of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls.
The Golden State Warriors are taking a cautious approach with Kristaps Porziņģis as the veteran big man continues working his way back to full strength.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said before Sunday’s matchup against the New York Knicks that Porziņģis is expected to return Monday when Golden State faces the Washington Wizards in the second leg of a back-to-back.
The decision to sit Porziņģis on Sunday was part of a medical plan designed to manage his recovery from a lingering illness.
“Speaking pregame, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said he expects Kristaps Porzingis and De’Anthony Melton — out tonight versus the Knicks on the front end of a back-to-back — to play Monday against the Washington Wizards,” reported Sam Gordon of The San Francisco Chronicle.
Porziņģis Shows Promise in First Start
Porziņģis recently made his first start for Golden State during Thursday’s 127-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, delivering an encouraging performance despite still building conditioning.
The 7-foot-3 Latvian scored a season-high 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting, including 2-of-5 from three-point range, while adding four rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block.
The performance came in limited action as the Warriors continue to carefully monitor his workload. Porziņģis played 20 minutes, which aligns with the minutes range the team has used during his early appearances with the franchise.
Even in that restricted role, Porziņģis’ ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim was evident.
Conditioning Still a Work in Progress
Porziņģis has acknowledged that his conditioning remains a work in progress after missing extended time earlier in the season.
“I need probably four or five games to feel pretty good,” Porziņģis said earlier this week. “Still feel like my legs are not great. I would make some other decisions if I felt like my legs are there.”
The veteran big man added that he is focused on steadily building rhythm as he adapts to his new team and system.
“But I’m playing with the cards I have now, and I think I will just keep building with each game,” he said.
Warriors Managing Rotation During Injury Stretch
Golden State’s cautious approach reflects the broader injury challenges the team has faced this season.
The Warriors have dealt with multiple rotation absences, including extended time without Stephen Curry.
Veteran forward Draymond Green has also missed games recently due to lingering back issues.
Kerr has indicated he hopes Green will also return Monday against Washington, potentially giving the Warriors several experienced players back at the same time.
Porziņģis Could Play Key Role Down the Stretch
If Porziņģis continues progressing, he could become a major factor for Golden State during the final weeks of the regular season.
His size and scoring ability offer the Warriors a different look offensively, particularly as a pick-and-pop threat and rim protector.
With about 15 games remaining, the Warriors are attempting to stabilize their lineup and build momentum for the playoff race.
A healthy Porziņģis could provide exactly the type of interior scoring and defensive presence Golden State needs as the season enters its decisive stretch.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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