by Jerry Feitelberg

photo by Google images

The Golden State Warriors won their 31st straight home game in a row by beating the Utah Jazz 103-85 Wednesday night at a sold-out Oracle Arena. The Dubs did not play an A-game on offense, but their defense was outstanding as they challenged the Jazz on every shot. The Dubs took an early 13-9 lead in the first period and never relinquished the lead. The Defense held the Jazz to just thirteen points in the first period. The Dubs defense forced six Jazz turnovers, and the Dubs scored eight points on fast breaks.  The Dubs lead 23-13 after one period of play.

The Jazz played better in the second period as they outscored the Dubs 27-24 and trailed by nine at the half. Klay Thompson led the Warrior scoring with ten points. Steph Curry added nine. Draymond Green pitched in with eight. The Warriors shot 45.2% from the floor. The Jazz was held to 38.5% Jeff Withey and Rod Hood each had seven points to lead the Jazz in scoring. Gordon Hayward pitched in with six for Utah.

In the third period, the Dubs kept the pressure on the Jazz and were able to extend the lead to fifteen at the end of three.  The Jazz tried to get back into the game but the Warriors defense kept them at bay. The Jazz narrowed the gap to ten but interim coach, Like Walton, went small late in the period, and the Dubs increased the lead as they were able to play at a more upbeat pace. The Jazz like to slow the game down and keep the score low, but the Dubs were able to stifle that strategy.

Steph Curry started the fourth period on the bench as a Utah player hit on the back of his leg, and the Dubs didn’t want to take any chances that he might injure his leg. The Dubs led by ten with 6:03 left when Steph came back into the game. He played just three minutes, and when he exited, the Warriors led by seventeen. That was the game. Golden State wins 103-85.

Game Notes- The Warriors made history on two fronts with the win. The Dubs are 13-0 at home to start the season. This breaks the record of 12- 0 set by the 1975-76 Warriors. The Warriors 27-1  record to start a season is the best winning percentage in NBA history heading into Christmas Day.

Steph Curry numbers were 16 points, nine assists,  five rebounds and three steals. Klay Thompson led the Dubs in scoring with 20. Andrew Bogut had a huge game. He tallied 10 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and had four assists plus he blocked several shots. Draymond Green just missed a double-double as he had 15 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

Derrick Favors led the Jazz with 17 points and nine rebounds. Rod Hood knocked down 15. Alec Burks and Trey Burke each added 13 points for Utah.

The Warriors meet the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, Christmass Day at 2 PM. The game will be a rematch of the two teams that met in the NBA Finals last June. The game will be on national TV.