Even without Stephen Curry and with Jimmy Butler missing most of the game, the Warriors still pushed the top-seeded Thunder. Much of that effort came from Pat Spencer, whose energetic second half showed why he has earned Steve Kerr’s trust early this season. Still, the Warriors can’t rely on sparks alone, and Kerr knows he must keep the group steady as the challenges pile up.

With him not being on a standard contract, the Warriors can only have the 29-year-old for 50 games. Due to recurring injuries to Stephen Curry and De’Anthony Melton, still recovering, Spencer has already burned through 14 games. So, Kerr knows how vital it is to manage his game from now on.

“We haven’t even had the luxury to not have him active through 22 games,” Kerr said . “So, it hasn’t even been a question,

See Full Page