The Golden State Warriors put in two new starters in Game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers amid their injury woes.
Kevin Durant remains sidelined for Golden State with a calf injury, and it didn't help the team that Andre Iguodala was also ruled out of Game 4 after suffering a calf issue of his own the last time out.
With the injuries hampering them, Steve Kerr opted to give Jordan Bell and Alfonzo McKinnie the start. Bell replaced Damian Jones as the starting center, while MckKinnie filled in Andre Iguodala's spot at the four.
Starting us off tonight đď¸ pic.twitter.com/kkYqn1rso4
â Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 21, 2019
Alfonzo McKinnie and Jordan Bell starting tonight. Bell becomes the fifth different center the Warriors have started in the playoffs. Kevon Looney, the guy who gets the bulk of the C minutes, the only one yet to start.
â Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 21, 2019
Both Bell and McKinnie are relatively inexperienced, with each only logging two seasons of action in the NBA. It's also worth noting that both players are starting for the first time these 2019 playoffs.
Bell has been solid in the first three games of the Western Conference Finals against the Blazers, putting up 6.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists while playing only 13 minutes a night.
On the other hand, while McKinnie hasn't been producing on the offensive end, he contribute in other ways. In fact, in Game 3, McKinnie grabbed nine rebounds despite scoring only five points.
Will the Blazers be able to stave off elimination against a thoroughly depleted Warriors team? Letâs hope so, as losing to a starting lineup without Durant or Iggy would be a tough look for Portland.
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