The Warriors, dressed in navy blue with hints of orange and gold Wednesday night and wearing their Oakland-inspired uniforms, looked more like the dominant team that finished Oracle Arena in five consecutive finals than the one that has been rebuilt since moving to San Francisco.
In Golden State’s 121-99 win against the San Antonio Spurs at the Chase Center, security guard Stephen Curry led an exciting offensive effort with 3-pointers, crisp ball movements and edge rocking dunks. The Warriors (8-6) supported 31 of their 46 field goals and shot a total of 51.1%.
Curry, who finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, took a 3-pointer step backwards 1:10 in the second quarter to crown a 19-2 run and the lead of 22 points in this one Expanding wire-to-wire wins against the spurs (8-7).
Great start from the start: Head coach Steve Kerr had hoped at the start of the game that his starting group, which had largely been surpassed so far this season, would have a better start. When Kevon Looney and Kent Bazemore checked in mid-quarter, the starters were up seven over the Spurs, setting the pace for the game with good ball movement, shooting power and disciplined defense. The Warriors had a 12 point lead to start the second quarter when the banking unit stepped in.
« We got them to hit hard and we finally put basketball back down the line, » said Curry. « We made it easy for ourselves. »
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 20: Kevon Looney (5) of Golden State Warriors spills Keldon Johnson (3) of San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. On Wednesday, January 20, 2021. (Nhat V. Meyer / Bay Area News Group)
Curry does everything on the offensive: When it comes to curry, the dazzling dribble moves and tricky 3-point recordings fill the highlight packages on YouTube. That game had some of those moments, from his escape behind his back against Patty Mills to his 1-pointer after being fouled by Dejounte Murray (22 points). But perhaps its greatest contribution has been its screen setting. Especially in the first quarter when Curry pin-down that led to a James Wiseman jumper, he helped jump a Draymond Green drive and Kelly Oubre Jr. for a cut-dunk with a backscreen.
This will unlock a lot of easy shots for his teammates. As dangerous as curry is when an archer runs around the bow, it is probably still threatening as a screensaver. Fear that he will pop and shoot makes defenders go wrong. Here you can see Keldon Johnson walking onto Green through a screen while Murray refuses to help Curry.
It was Wiseman’s most complete game of his career: Notice in this game that Wiseman lurks in the dark. He made this room below the edge of the baseline his home Wednesday night. Wiseman finished 8v11 with 20 points, six rebounds and four assists. (Also noticeable: no 3-point attempts.) Four of the field goals he scored fell out of this dark spot.
When the Spurs reduced Golden State’s lead to five in the second quarter, it was Wiseman’s praise finishes that helped the Warriors retreat.
« I just think we found a little rhythm offensively and put a lot of pressure on the San Antonio defense, » said Kerr. « James has a feeling and knows where to be with the timing of the lobs. »
Wiseman added, « I think it’s one of my best games in terms of pitch and defense because I’ve been vocal. »
On the defensive, Wiseman LaMarcus Aldridge kept four points and three rebounds. This was a game that Wiseman was 19 and Aldridge 35 years old, but in a way that favored the younger, more bouncy player. Wiseman also did a great job defending San Antonio’s perimeter players in space. After being bitten on one of DeMar DeRozan’s pump fakes and called for a foul early in the game, he stayed down on the next and denied the shot. Wiseman credits Green for training him on it.
« He gives me tips on how to get better, » said Wiseman of Green, who finished with nine points and six assists. « I like that – this constructive criticism. I just make sure I listen. »
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 20: James Wiseman (33) of the Golden State Warriors drops the ball down an alley off Draymond Green (23) of the Golden State Warriors against the San Antonio Spurs in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco , Calif. On Wednesday, January 20, 2021. (Nhat V. Meyer / Bay Area News Group) Related articles
Steph Curry, Steve Kerr greet Kamala Harris, say goodbye to Trump through tweets
Saturday’s Warriors Jazz game was pushed back to increase COVID precaution
Video: Kamala Harris of Oakland receives the « Madame VP » jersey before the inauguration of Warriors
In the design and meaning of the Warriors’ new « Oakland Forever » uniforms
Kelly Oubre Jr. plays a new role in the Warriors’ win over Lakers
The Golden State defense has tightened the brackets: The Warriors’ defense has gotten better as the season progressed, but it has never looked as dominant as it did on Wednesday. The Spurs had a hard time getting to the basket and making 3-pointers when Golden State forced them into a lot of tough midfielders. The Spurs were held 36.6% overall while shooting and 4-for-33 out of 3-point range. The Warriors also outperformed Spurs 54-43, scoring 21 fastbreak points.
« When the defensive clicks like that, » said Andrew Wiggins, « it means that the offensive really gets into a nice rhythm. »
Conclusion Kerr: « It was the best two-way game we played all year. »
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 20: Draymond Green (23) of Golden State Warriors shoots LaMarcus Aldridge (12) of San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, January 20, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., 2021. (Nhat V. Meyer / Bay Area News Group)
Ref: https://www.mercurynews.com
