Steve Kerr Hints at Shocking Warriors Lineup Change
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
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
Numbers Reveal Warriors’ Size Problem
The Warriors are one of the worst rebounding teams in the
- 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)
- 20thin 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,
“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.
Browns Win Triggers Raiders to Dump Coach
The Cleveland Browns’ 24-10 win on Sunday was the final nail in the coffin for Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
The loss dropped the Raiders to 2-9. Las Vegas has averaged a league-worst 15.0 points per game. The Raiders
“I spoke with Chip Kelly earlier this evening and informed him of his release as offensive coordinator of the Raiders. I would like to thank Chip for his service and wish him all the best in the future,” Raiders coach Pete Carroll said in a statement.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Browns, who improved to 3-8 this season. It also took some pressure off their own coaching staff, led by Kevin Stefanski, who have been under fire in recent weeks with the losses piling up.
Browns Star Myles Garrett Piles Up More Sacks
The Raiders were the latest team to feel the wrath of Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner Myles Garrett. He had three sacks against the Raiders, bringing his season total to 18. Garrett
Garrett has the record in his sights but is more focused on getting wins.
“If God wills it, I’ll go get it,” Garrett said after the game. “Hopefully sooner rather than later. I want it to come in a win. I want to have a chance to play some games in January and February. We got to win out and hope some things go our way. It would be great. But we have a lot more pressing things to deal with.”
The Browns also got a solid game out of rookie Mason Graham, who helped make life uncomfortable for Smith.
“He’s going to start turning those pressures and those hits into sacks,” Garrett said. “We know he will and I’m looking forward to seeing how he does the rest of the season.”
Browns Don’t Name Starting Quarterback
Someone else who might be losing their job after the Browns’ victory is Dillon Gabriel. The rookie QB is sidelined with a concussion and Shedeur Sanders started in his place. Sanders’ starting debut was far from perfect but he provided chunk plays — something the Browns offense was missing. Sanders finished with 209 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
It was a big improvement for Sanders after he floundered for a half against the Baltimore Ravens. Sanders had just 47 yards and an interception in that game. The Browns now face a decision on who will be the starter moving forward once Gabriel is cleared to return. Stefanski was
“I’m not going to get into that. Obviously proud of him and proud of this offense. But I’m just going to worry about today,” Stefanski said. “I’m always going to take my time and do what’s best for the football team.”
The Browns will face the San Francisco 49ers next week at home.
