OAKLAND — For weeks, as Zaza Pachulia has grown more comfortable and David West has meshed well into the second-unit, the Warriors’ center position has stabilized.
But adversity hit on Wednesday night. The Warriors are facing their first real sliver of injury trouble this season. West fractured his left thumb during Golden State’s win over the Thunder. It’s expected to be minor. He won’t need surgery and will get reevaluated in two weeks.
“It’s a big loss,” Steve Kerr said. “David has been fantastic. He’s been playing so well.”
West isn’t an essential piece. But even at 36, he’s made himself and important cog in that second unit.