THE anticipated clash of the top two teams, not just in the Western Conference, but in the NBA is quickly turning out to be a letdown before the Golden State Warriors even steps on the AT&T Center to face the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time).
With Spurs star Kawhi Leonard declared out earlier due to a concussion, Warriors coach Steve Kerr announced after their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 103-102, on Friday that Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala will sit out their game against the Spurs, joining the injured Kevin Durant on the sidelines.
Kerr cited fatigue and health concerns from their recent road-heavy schedule as the reasons behind his decision.
"We're going to get [to San Antonio] at 3 a.m. Those guys are all playing big minutes, and this would give them three days before our home game, and then we'll have a whole week at home next week and a chance to get recharged,” said Kerr.
"It's my call, and it's the right thing to do in terms of the way the season is playing out and the way the minutes have gone and KD's injury. It's the right thing to do, so we're doing it," the Warriors coach added.
Leonard will not be the only one out for the Spurs, as Tony Parker could also sit out due to a stiff back.
The Warriors still lead the league with a 52-13 record even as they’ve lost four of their past six games. The Spurs are just 1.5 games behind in the West standings.