After going off for 38 factors, eight rebounds and 12 assists within the Golden State Warriors’ 128-120 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday evening, Steph Curry weighed in on the load administration debate, which has been raging throughout the league in current weeks.
“I marketing campaign to play each sport,” Curry mentioned. “That’s the misperception about load administration and the way it goes. It’s by no means the participant that is saying, ‘Hey, I need to sit.’ For all these individuals frightened about that a part of our league and all that, it is often not the participant that is going to the coaching employees and saying, ‘Hey, I haven’t got it tonight.’ It’s often the opposite means round and there is lots of science concerned.”
Curry and the Warriors had been the themes of criticism earlier this month when the crew rested him, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins for his or her lone journey to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers — a sport that got here on the second evening of a street back-to-back. Warriors coach Steve Kerr referred to as the choice a “brutal a part of the enterprise” and advocated lowering the schedule to 72 video games.
That sport between the Warriors and Cavs was simply one among many this season, and this month particularly, which were ruined by stars sitting out — both because of relaxation or harm. Other notable showdowns we have missed embrace Nikola Jokic versus Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant in opposition to LeBron James.
Every time there is a string of incidents like this, the load administration debate kicks off once more. Often, it is the gamers who bear the brunt of the criticism — from followers who’ve purchased tickets to video games solely to search out out that their favourite famous person is not going to be in motion, but in addition media members and former gamers.
While the present scenario actually is unfair for followers, Curry’s level is essential and does not get sufficient consideration throughout these conversations. Sure, some gamers are simply there to gather a examine, however that is no totally different than any job. The majority, although, are ultra-competitive and need to be on the ground as typically as doable.
But given the size of the season, the grueling journey schedule, and the 1000’s of miles they’ve placed on their our bodies all through the years, it is of their finest curiosity to take sure nights off. Those relaxation spots are scheduled effectively prematurely by the organizations’ sports activities drugs division and are primarily based on severe science and information about participant efficiency. The different is operating them into the bottom, which might end in extra long-term accidents and shorter careers, and nobody needs that.
Barring a shock determination by the league and the gamers to shorten the common season within the subsequent CBA, load administration and the debates surrounding it should by no means go away. Likewise, neither will the divisions between the varied camps, that are effectively entrenched at this level. But no matter aspect of the controversy you are on, it is price remembering Curry’s level subsequent time the subject comes up.