Injuries have forced the Golden State Warriors to rely on three two-way players stepping into larger roles amid the team’s recent injury crisis.
In a very up-and-down season, the Warriors have managed to uncover several gems in the G League. Malevy Leons, Nate Williams and LJ Cryer have unexpectedly found themselves featuring regularly in recent lineups. Despite limited NBA experience and a series of difficult results, the trio have shown promising signs as they step into the rotation due to the Warriors’ ongoing injury problems.
Warriors Injuries Force 3 Two-Way Players Into Action
Injuries have forced Golden State to look deeper into their roster in recent weeks, turning to players on two-way contracts to help fill the void. With Stephen Curry and multiple bench players sidelined, the Warriors have needed to rely on their depth, despite the inexperience.
Leons, a 6-foot-9 wing who previously spent time in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s system, replaced Alex Toohey as one of Golden State’s two-way players. He made an impressive start in his Warriors debut against the Memphis Grizzlies, recording nine points, eight rebounds, two steals and a block. His hustle and defensive presence provided immediate value, helping him earn his sixth consecutive appearance for the Dubs.
After averaging a solid 19.5 points in the G League while shooting 46.2% from the field, Williams has shown flashes of that scoring touch in recent appearances for the Warriors. In just his second Golden State game, he scored a career-high 18 points against the Los Angeles Clippers. Williams shot 5-for-8 from the field and 75% from three, showing he can provide scoring if injuries strike again.
Cryer is another player who has immediately delivered when called upon. The 24-year-old has averaged 9.7 points over his last three games, shooting 45% on 6.7 three-point attempts per game. His willingness to shoot has improved Golden State’s floor spacing and helped them remain competitive in games where they might be considered underdogs. Cryer fits seamlessly into the system, and if his momentum continues, he could even challenge players like Brandin Podziemski for increased minutes.
Two-Way Players Step Up in Rockets Victory
On Thursday night, the Warriors secured their biggest win of the season in an overtime thriller against the Houston Rockets. Golden State defeated a then third-seeded Rockets team, 115-113, with three two-way players playing crucial big minutes off the bench.
Head coach Steve Kerr spoke about yet another win against the Rockets, saying: “This is a good building for us…A lot of good memories in that locker room… Feels like a playoff win.” This victory highlighted the resilience and depth the Warriors franchise has shown in recent weeks.
What It Means for the Warriors’ Depth
Mar 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Nate Williams (19) moves the ball around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Warriors’ depth has looked promising, particularly with the contributions of players coming up from the G League. Despite the surprise win over the Rockets, Golden State continues to struggle in the standings and has dropped to the ninth seed in the Western Conference.
The Warriors need their All-Stars back if they want any chance of making the playoffs. However, the performances of their two-way players have shown individual promise, giving Golden State valuable depth options not only for this season but also for the future.
© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images