Snug, assured Waters steps up in Warriors’ win vs. Grizzlies initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Bay Space
SAN FRANCISCO – Regardless of sitting on the bench for lengthy stretches, Lindy Waters III hasn’t had a lot problem sustaining his focus. If that ever turns into a distraction, the Warriors’ fourth-year taking pictures guard offers himself a mild psychological nudge.
“You simply received to remind your self the place I’m,” Waters mentioned within the aftermath of Golden State’s 121-113 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. “I’m grateful for the place I’m at. If I received to come back in early within the first quarter or late within the fourth quarter, it doesn’t matter what time it’s, I’m simply going to go, are available right here and provides it my all. Simply have enjoyable with it.
“I’m simply being the place my ft are.”
Waters’ ft had been on the courtroom throughout crunch time at Chase Heart towards Memphis. He scored eight of his 16 factors within the fourth quarter, together with a pair of key deep pictures within the last 5 and a half minutes to assist the resurgent Warriors to their third win in 4 video games.
Waters, who went undrafted out of school in 2021 and was acquired from the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder final July, scored in double figures for the second consecutive recreation. That’s one thing that the 27-year-old reserve had performed solely twice earlier than since his rookie season.
It was large, too, particularly when Waters heated up within the fourth quarter. The Warriors, who already had been enjoying with out Stephen Curry, misplaced Jonathan Kuminga to a proper ankle sprain within the first half. That meant Golden State was minus its high two playmakers when the sport was on the road.
“Lindy is a very nice shooter,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr mentioned. “He began out the season sizzling after which cooled off. That is all a part of his improvement and development as a younger participant. You simply should sort of trip the wave as a shooter. There are occasions when the ball’s not moving into however you may’t let that have an effect on your confidence.
“He’s actually bounced again properly right here. Appears to be like extra assured, extra comfy now than he did a couple of weeks in the past. He’s performed an awesome job of mentally getting ready himself.”
Waters didn’t make an excessive amount of out of his evening however applauded his teammates for all stepping up whereas Curry rested.
As a workforce, the Warriors shot higher than 50 % from the ground and had been 24 of 43 from distance. In addition they had been extraordinarily efficient shifting the ball and had 32 assists on 44 buckets.
“We’d be comfortable to have him however guys (had been) sharing the ball, guys getting open appears and knocking them down and it’s contagious,” Waters mentioned. “We’re simply making an attempt to construct on high of this and take it into tomorrow.”
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