Marreese Speights has become the Warriors' backup center, moving ahead of Festus Ezeli, the San Jose Mercury News reports. "He's earned that backup role, and he's going to play a lot for us," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.

Speights has become the Warriors' backup center, moving ahead of Festus Ezeli, the San Jose Mercury News reports. "He's earned that backup role, and he's going to play a lot for us," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.

Analysis:

Kerr was talking about Speights after the big man's 24-point night in 20 minutes against the Lakers on Sunday. The game was a blowout and not really indicative of Speights' normal activity in a game, but he's been on a roll of late. Kerr has been particularly impressed with Speights' defense, something for which he's not typically known.