The Golden State Warriors made a change to their starting lineup for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets, inserting rookie Quinten Post. The decision comes after Jimmy Butler was ruled out for the game with a pelvic contusion.
Post started alongside Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, and Jonathan Kuminga at Chase Center on Saturday night. Kuminga also entered the starting group, replacing Butler.
The move represented a new look for the Warriors in the playoff series. Warriors make changes to starting lineup with Jimmy Butler out Game 3
Post's playoff introduction has been eventful. He played 12 minutes in Game 1, going scoreless. He bounced back in Game 2, scoring 12 points, second only to Steph Curry's 20 for the team.
His season progression has seen him move from a second-round pick to a two-way contract, his NBA debut, a rotation fixture, and 14 starts before the playoffs began.
Post acknowledged the difference between his regular season experience and the playoffs. "Back then I was just trying to prove anything. That I could fit or belong," he told NBC Sports Bay Area. "And now there's a real responsibility on my shoulders. I have an impact on winning or losing."
He specifically highlighted the need to improve his rebounding, a challenge for the Warriors against the Rockets' size, including players like Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams. Houston outrebounded Golden State in both Game 1 and Game 2.
Post described the playoff environment as very physical. He noted that the intensity increased in Game 2, with more shoving and pushing going on that he did not fully register during the game itself. He said the team needed to respond in Game 3.
Steve Kerr opted for the stretch five Post to complement the frontcourt pairing of Kuminga and Green against Houston's size. Post is the team's most accurate 3-point shooter, stretching the floor for the offense built around Curry.
