The Golden State Warriors picked up a much-needed 104-96 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, and they did it with a bold twist: going ultra-small. With both Trayce Jackson-Davis and Al Horford sidelined due to injury, head coach Steve Kerr leaned into a lineup where the tallest player on the floor stood just 6-foot-8.
That’s not just small by NBA standards - that’s micro-ball. But in true Warriors fashion, it worked.
After the game, Kerr shed some light on the thinking behind the lineup tweak. The absence of Jackson-Davis, who’s been a reliable interior presence, forced the coaching staff to get creative. That creativity led to a frontcourt pairing of Jonathan Kuminga and Jimmy - a duo not exactly known for size, but brimming with athleticism and defensive versatility.
“Trayce was out tonight with the knee issue,” Kerr said postgame. “Before the game, we went through the possible matchups and decided that Jimmy and JK could be a good combo at the four and the five, trading off who they were guarding depending on what was happening out there. They did a good job together.”
That “good job” translated into a gritty win that pushed Golden State back above .500 at 11-10. More importantly, it gave them a glimpse of a lineup wrinkle that could be useful down the line - especially in situations where speed, switchability, and defensive coverage take precedence over size.
The Warriors’ small-ball identity has long been part of their DNA. But this wasn’t the classic “Death Lineup” with Draymond Green anchoring the five and a floor full of All-Stars.
This was more of a test run - an experimental look with younger pieces in key roles. And while it might not be the long-term answer, it’s the kind of adjustment that can win you a game in December - or swing a playoff series in May.
With two days off before their next matchup, the Warriors will get a breather before facing the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder, who are sitting at a jaw-dropping 19-1. That’s a juggernaut.
Whether Kerr sticks with the small-ball look against a team that’s been steamrolling opponents remains to be seen. But Saturday’s win gave him something valuable: data.
And in a season where the Warriors have struggled to find consistency, every bit of information helps.
It’s been a rocky start for Golden State. Injuries, rotation tweaks, and moments of inconsistency have made it tough to build rhythm.
But wins like this - gritty, unconventional, and hard-earned - can be the kind of spark that gets a team going. Even if the ultra-small lineup doesn’t become a staple, knowing it’s an option in the toolbox gives Kerr flexibility when the moment calls for it.
Because in this league, sometimes going small isn’t just about size - it’s about adaptability. And on Saturday night, the Warriors showed they’re still willing to play chess while others play checkers.