TL;DR
Get sports gear delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
Charles Bassey scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 22 minutes during Golden State’s 116-113 win over Phoenix, after Draymond Green’s ejection left the Warriors short on centers. Bassey says he wants to earn a regular role, but knee tendinitis and the team’s changing lineup leave his playing time uncertain.
Charles Bassey scored 19 points and had eight rebounds in 22 minutes as the Golden State Warriors beat the Phoenix Suns 116-113 on Monday, strengthening his case for a larger role at center. Bassey entered after Draymond Green was ejected, with Golden State’s options limited, and said he intends to make it difficult for the coaching staff to leave him out.
Bassey’s opportunity came after Green was ejected early in the second half following a confrontation with Suns center Khaman Maluach and forward Dillon Brooks. Al Horford was resting, and the only other available center identified in the report was two-way rookie Graham Ike. Kristaps Porzingis was absent; coach Steve Kerr said before the game that he had not communicated with Porzingis and did not know where he was.
Bassey made an immediate impact. Within 19 seconds of entering, he scored on a put-back and drew a foul. He pursued rebounds, defended the paint against Phoenix’s smaller lineup and connected with rookie Yaxel Lendeborg on a third-quarter lob. The report also describes a confrontation with Suns forward Miles Bridges after a tied-up ball.
The performance followed a limited return from knee tendinitis. Bassey played 13 minutes in his season debut, an Oct. 24 loss to Phoenix, and was frustrated that he did not return in the fourth quarter. He also had been left out of the rotation in another recent game. His 22 minutes against the Suns marked a sharp change in opportunity, though one strong outing does not establish a regular place in the lineup.
Bassey’s Case for Center Minutes
Golden State needs dependable center minutes while its frontcourt availability shifts. Horford, whom the report describes as 40, is expected to rest regularly, while Porzingis’ absence adds uncertainty to the rotation. Bassey’s performance showed the Warriors a source of energy, rebounding and interior presence when they needed one.
That makes the result relevant beyond the box score: Bassey is trying to turn a chance created by injuries, rest and an ejection into a lasting role. His availability will matter as much as his production. He has a history of injuries and had only recently begun ramping up after knee tendinitis, so the Warriors must weigh what he can contribute against how consistently he can play.
Stephen Curry said Bassey’s effort changed the game and lifted the team’s spirits. That is a teammate’s assessment of the performance, not confirmation that Bassey has secured a place in the rotation.
Products Worth Considering
Solo Stove Pi Prime Portable Propane Pizza Oven
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell
Coleman Cascade 18 Portable 1-Burner Camping Stove
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
From Limited Debut to Bigger Opening
Bassey is 25 and 6-foot-10, and the source says he earned a one-year extension with Golden State in the offseason. Before Porzingis’ indefinite absence was announced at the team’s media day in late September, Bassey was likely to be a reserve used for occasional fill-in minutes, according to the report. The changing frontcourt picture has made his role more consequential.
His NBA career has been interrupted by injuries and brief stints with several teams. The report says he played for four franchises last season: Memphis, Philadelphia, Boston and Golden State. At the time of the Phoenix game, his NBA record covered 126 games. Golden State has also seen him contribute defensively, including a block on Walker Kessler against the Lakers that the report says helped shift momentum in a Warriors win.
Bassey and Lendeborg have developed a connection off the court, discussing strategy before games and reviewing missed passing chances afterward, according to Bassey. That chemistry showed up in their third-quarter lob against Phoenix, but the report does not establish whether it will shape the team’s longer-term rotation.
“I think I’m an asset to the team. And they know that, too. I just gotta keep bringing that every game.”
— Charles Bassey, speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle
Rotation and Knee Status Remain Open
The source does not say whether Bassey’s 22-minute outing will lead to regular playing time, or how the Warriors plan to divide center minutes as players become available. His knee tendinitis had limited his season debut, but the report provides no updated medical assessment or timetable for a full return.
Porzingis’ availability and status also remain unclear in the account: Kerr said he had not communicated with him and did not know where he was. The report does not establish when he might rejoin the team. Golden State’s use of Horford and the availability of other centers could also change Bassey’s opportunities from game to game.
Can He Sustain the Impact?
Bassey’s next test is whether he can repeat the production while managing his knees. The report gives no scheduled milestone for his minutes, health or place in the rotation. For now, the Warriors’ upcoming games will show whether the Phoenix performance earns him a consistent opportunity or remains a response to a short-handed night.
Golden State will also need to account for Horford’s rest schedule and clarify its plans as Porzingis’ situation develops. Until those factors are settled, Bassey’s role is likely to depend on both his health and which frontcourt players are available.
Key Questions
How did Charles Bassey perform against Phoenix?
He scored 19 points and had eight rebounds in 22 minutes during the Warriors’ 116-113 win.
Why did Bassey get an opportunity?
Draymond Green was ejected, Al Horford was resting, and the report identified two-way rookie Graham Ike as the only other available center. Bassey entered during the second half.
Is Bassey now a regular starter?
The report does not say that. His Phoenix performance strengthened his case for more minutes, but his future role was still unsettled.
What is known about Bassey’s knee?
He had knee tendinitis that limited his season debut to 13 minutes on Oct. 24. The source gives no newer medical update or recovery timetable.
What is the status of Kristaps Porzingis?
The report says coach Steve Kerr had not communicated with Porzingis and did not know where he was before the Phoenix game. It does not provide a return date or further status update.
Source: sfchronicle.com
