Unfortunately, Stephen Curry was unable to
On Thursday night, Stephen Curry was unable to maintain his unprecedented first-quarter performance against the Indiana Pacers. Once he ignited his weary, depleted squad by making a record-breaking seven of his team’s first seven three-pointers, the Golden State Warriors’ “whole team effort” proved to be more than sufficient as they triumphed handily.
On the second night of a back-to-back, the Dubs defeated the Pacers 131-109 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, putting together what may have been their most encouraging all-around effort of the year despite being without an injured Klay Thompson.
With 42 points on 15 of 22 shooting, including 11 of 16 from beyond the arc, Curry led the way. In a brilliant first half, he scored 29 of those points. After the break, Indiana tightened up their defense and worked even harder to stop the two-time Finals MVP. When Curry returned to form late in the fourth quarter, making back-to-back three-pointers, his teammates had already secured the victory.
Following the game, a gleaming Curry admitted that he made an effort to establish a positive impression while momentarily “flirting” with Thompson’s record-setting 14 made triples in a single game. Equally important to the Warriors’ 22-point victory? outstanding performances from the entire roster.
“It was enjoyable to play around with [Thompson’s record] for a short while.” Of course, I anticipated that they would make someWe felt like we could come in here and grab a win, get out to a strong start like that, and give us some energy, but it was good on a back-to-back,” Curry said. “And from there, man, it was just a team effort.” You might read through the list of everyone who made a contribution this evening.
Warriors’ outstanding road trip is concluded with a strong “team effort.”
With 18 points and four assists throughout the game, Jonathan Kuminga provided even more evidence of his continued breakthrough. In a matchup with Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, Andrew Wiggins continued his startling recent play, finishing with 11 points, four rebounds, and five assists. With nine points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, Brandin Podziemi skpacked the stat sheet. He also served as the leader of a relatively insignificant, seldom-used second unit that helped contain the fast-moving Pacers in the late third and early fourth quarter.
Among them was Gui Santos, who had the most productive game of his young career with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Lester Quinones, who had six points, five rebounds, and five assists, was also demonstrating his legitimacy as a regular NBA player.
Despite Curry scoring 60 points, Golden State finishes a crucial five-game road trip with a 4-1 record. Their lone defeat came in overtime against the Atlanta Hawks. Even though the loss was frustrating at the time, the Dubs have moved past it. The soaring Warriors take on Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and the Phoenix Suns at Chase Center on Saturday in the first of just four games left before the All-Star break.
We usually say that it feels good to board the plane and return home victorious. Just competing was such a great atmosphere tonight, according to Curry. Naturally, when playing back-to-back, you have to match their intensity and play intelligently. Luckily, shots were taken, so everything went well.