If you’re a Golden State Warriors fan, you’ve probably been there: you turn on the TV, excited to see Stephen Curry light it up, only to find out he’s sitting due to load management. It’s a growing frustration among fans, and even head coach Steve Kerr has had enough.
Kerr has been vocal about the Warriors NBA’s 82-game schedule, arguing that it’s outdated and too demanding in today’s high-intensity game. But despite the noise, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver just made it clear: don’t expect changes anytime soon.
Adam Silver: No Plans to Cut Games Yet
Adam Silver recently appeared on the Numbers on the Board podcast and didn’t hold back. According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, Silver believes there’s “no data” proving a shorter season would reduce injuries.
“If there was data that suggested that 82 games, as opposed to 72, causes more injuries, we’d think more seriously about a change,” Silver said.
This statement comes as a blow to Kerr, retired Gregg Popovich, and Erik Spoelstra, who have all advocated for a reduced schedule to protect players and preserve the product on the floor.
The Numbers Say Something Else
While Adam Silver stands by the current format, reports suggest otherwise. NBC Sports found that teams playing the second night of back-to-backs see a 9% drop in win rate. That’s not just a fluke, it’s a real statistical dip that impacts outcomes and player performance.
And let’s not forget how the game has evolved. Since the Warriors revolutionized the league with faster pace and constant movement, the physical toll has increased, despite fewer hard fouls or hand-checking compared to the 90s.
Silver Leaves the Door Slightly Ajar
Interestingly, Adam Silver isn’t entirely against change. During the same podcast, he acknowledged that while tradition matters, the NBA must be willing to evolve.
“With any business, you have to be willing to change if appropriate and not just be wedded to the past.”
So while he’s not ready to ditch the 82-game model, Silver insists “nothing’s off the table.”
What This Means for the Warriors and the League
For now, Kerr and the Warriors will have to deal with the current load, literally and figuratively. As the NBA continues to chase global reach and TV revenue, any talk of shortening the regular season will face uphill battles, both from a financial and historical standpoint.
But as more stars sit out and fan frustration grows, expect this conversation to resurface again and again.
