The Golden State Warriors - and their fans - would certainly love to break the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls' single-season record of 72 wins, but for Steve Kerr, having a healthy unit for the playoffs will be more important. Kerr did something similar last season, lessening the playing time of his starters during the month of April, so his players will not be surprised if he does it again.
But the Warriors seem to have a highly realistic chance to either tie the record with 72 wins or break it with 73. Stephen Curry appears to be on track to repeat as the NBA's MVP, as he is somehow playing better this season than he did last and, like last season, he is not playing a high volume of minutes.
"Resting, that will take precedence," Kerr said. "We will rest guys if they need it before we will go for any kind of streak or record, that's for sure."
The Warriors are already having a historic season, as their 121-106 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday night was their 44th consecutive regular-season win at home, tying an NBA record. The team also clinched a playoff berth before the month of March for the first time since the 1987-1988 season.
Though the Warriors would love to add the single-season win record to an already long list of accomplishments this year, the players will certainly trust Kerr's judgment.
"Little decisions along the way like that are about keeping us healthy, keeping us fresh as opposed to ... what might be best for that particular night to get a win," Curry said of Kerr's comments on rest. "We will see how that manifests. Hopefully, there won't be too many decisions that he will have to make along the way."
Though the Warriors have played exceptionally well against the NBA's better teams, Kerr has been utilizing his deep bench to avoid wearing out his starters in such games. For example, six players came off the bench Thursday night and totaled 77 minutes. But Curry pointed out that Kerr's use of his bench is more than just resting starters, it is strategic.
"That is how I assumed he would handle it," Curry said. "Obviously, the big picture is always the most important trying to win a championship. Case in point, like tonight [against Oklahoma City], they put Andre [Iguodala] on a minutes restriction knowing he is probably the best matchup for [Kevin Durant]. Not worrying about that per [se] but making sure he is going to be healthy long-term."
