Warriors' Injury Crisis: Player Shoots Free Throws Left-Handed

The Golden State Warriors suffered a 127-113 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, a result that reflects the team’s current injury woes. Despite the score, the game was surprisingly competitive given Golden State’s depleted roster.

Mounting Injury List

The Warriors were without a total of seven players against the Spurs, in addition to Steph Curry, who is nearing a return after months of rehabbing a knee injury. All five of the team’s previously listed “day-to-day” players were ruled out, alongside season-ending injuries to Jimmy Butler II and Moses Moody. Al Horford is also sidelined with a calf strain.

Limited Rotation

This left Golden State with only nine available players, including just four usual rotation players: Brandin Podziemski, Draymond Green, Pat Spencer, and Will Richard. The remaining roster spots were filled by players on two-way contracts, a 10-day contract, and Steph Curry’s brother, Seth.

A Symbolic Moment

The severity of the situation was perhaps best illustrated by two-way forward Malevy Leons. Leons played a career-high 29 minutes against San Antonio, despite suffering a wrist injury weeks ago against the Detroit Pistons.

When fouled, Leons chose to shoot free throws with his left hand, as his right wrist was too injured. He missed his first two attempts but made his third, drawing cheers from the Chase Center crowd.

Coach Kerr's Comments

“I’m sure fans don’t know this, but Malevy is right-handed and his wrist is really messed up, so that’s why he shot those free throws left-handed,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters. “He’s out there basically playing with one hand... What this guy’s doing as a two-way player, trying to make it—he’s smart, he plays with unbelievable energy and obviously plays through the injury.”

A Season Defined by Injuries

The Warriors’ reliance on a severely injured player to even field a competitive roster underscores the team’s challenging season. The team is currently clinging to a play-in tournament spot as the regular season draws to a close.

This article was written by Liam McKeone, a senior writer for Sports Illustrated.