Comfortable, confident Waters helps lead Warriors to win over Grizzlies originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – Despite sitting on the bench for long periods of time, Lindy Waters III Didn’t have much difficulty staying focused. If that ever becomes a distraction, the Warriors’ fourth-year shooting guard gives himself a slight mental boost.
“You just have to remember where I am,” Waters said following Golden State wins 121-113 against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. “I’m grateful to be where I am. If I’m going to get to the start of the first quarter or the end of the fourth quarter, it doesn’t matter what time it is, I’m just going to go out there, come out here and give it my all. Just have fun with it.
“I’m right where my feet are.”
Waters’ feet were on the court during crunch time at Chase Center against Memphis. He scored eight of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, including two key deep shots in the final five and a half minutes to help the resurgent Warriors earn their third victory in four games.
Waters, who did not leave college in 2021 and was acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder last July, scored in double figures for the second straight game. It’s something the 27-year-old reserve has only done twice before since his rookie season.
That was important, too, especially when Waters got hot in the fourth quarter. The Warriors, who were already playing without Stephen Curry, lost Jonathan Kuminga to a sprained right ankle in the first half. This meant Golden State was missing its two best playmakers when the game was on the line.
“Lindy is a very good shooter,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “It started the season hot, then got colder. This is all part of his development and progression as a young player. You just have to ride the wave as a shooter. There are times when the ball doesn’t go in, but you can’t let that affect your confidence.
“He’s rebounded really well here. He looks more confident, more comfortable now than he did a few weeks ago. He did an excellent job of mental preparation.
Waters didn’t make much of his night, but applauded his teammates for all stepping up while Curry rested.
As a team, the Warriors shot over 50 percent from the floor and made 24 of 43 from distance. They were also extremely efficient moving the ball and had 32 assists on 44 field goals.
“We’d be happy to have him, but guys were sharing the ball, guys were giving open looks and knocking them down and it’s contagious,” Waters said. “We’re just trying to build on that and continue to do that tomorrow.”
