Warriors' Gui Santos to Make First Career Start Amid Team Struggles - Times News Global
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Warriors’ Gui Santos to Make First Career Start Amid Team Struggles

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Gui Santos Golden State Warriors Nba Game

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos will make his first career start Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the team continues to grapple with injuries and inconsistent performances. The 22-year-old Brazilian, who has come off the bench in all 38 of his NBA appearances since the 2023-24 season, is stepping into a larger role amid the absence of key players like Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green.

Santos has shown flashes of potential in recent games, scoring in double figures twice in his last three outings. While his season averages of 2.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 8.3 minutes per game are modest, his efficiency stands out, shooting 48.8% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range. When given 10 or more minutes, Santos has averaged 6.5 points and 3.3 rebounds, with a +7 overall rating, suggesting he thrives with increased opportunity.

The Warriors’ struggles were evident in their 104-101 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Monday, where they were outscored 50-26 in the paint. Without Green’s defensive presence, Golden State struggled to contain Toronto’s size and hustle. Stephen Curry’s 35-point effort wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s deficiencies, highlighting the need for players like Santos to step up.

“Gui brings energy, size, and a willingness to compete,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. “On a team that’s been searching for consistency, his contributions are becoming harder to ignore.” Santos’ impact goes beyond the stat sheet, with his offensive rebounding, relentless hustle, and underdog mentality providing a spark for a Warriors squad that has struggled to find its identity this season.

As the Warriors hover below .500, Santos’ emergence could offer a glimmer of hope. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and provide much-needed size on a roster that ranks as the smallest in the league makes him a valuable asset. If he continues to capitalize on his opportunities, Santos could cement himself as a regular part of Golden State’s rotation.

The Warriors face a critical stretch of games, beginning with Wednesday’s matchup against the Timberwolves. Santos’ performance in his first start could determine whether he remains a fixture in the lineup or returns to a bench role once the team regains its health.