Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) looks to pass away from defensive pressure by Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson and forward Draymond Green (23) during the first quarter at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Sun Jan 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Offense Sputters Losing To the Nets 120-116

By Barbara Mason

Sunday evening the Golden State Warriors (23-24) took on the Brooklyn Nets (29-17) back home at Chase. The Warriors are coming off an amazing win over the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night won for the most part by the Golden State bench. Such was not the story on Sunday as the Brooklyn Nets took a four point 120-116 win over Golden State at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn.

Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green all sat out the game in Cleveland and so come into this game rested and ready to take on the Nets. The Warriors did not see Kevin Durant who is still out with a sprained ligament in his right knee.

The Warriors came out on fire winning the first quarter 33-28 and going on to win the second quarter as well 39-32. They led at the half 72-60. Golden State had some great ball control with only foir turnovers in the half. The Nets have a history of some great second half comebacks and the Warriors needed to keep their foot on the pedal and not let the Nets back into the game.

Brooklyn started their comeback in the early minutes of the third quarter cutting their twelve point deficit to three points; trailing 75-72 with seven minutes left in the quarter. The 17 point lead the Warriors had previously had in the first half was gone when the Nets tied up the game at 75 with 6:45 left on the clock in the third.

Golden State had a real battle on their hands coming away with mounting empty possessions. In the final minutes of the quarter everything started going the Nets way. The Warriors offense got a bit of life finishing the quarter on a 10-2 run and led 90-86.

The Warriors got a great start in the fourth quarter extending their lead 100-91in the opening minutes of the final quarter. Golden State got a ten point lead 106-96 without Curry with 6:41 left in the game which was huge for the team pending Curry’s return. With 3:26 left in the game the Warriors were clinging to a 112-107 lead and they were over the limit so they had to limit the fouls for the rest of the game.

With 1:48 left on the clock the game was tied at 112. With 27.1 left in the game the Nets had a 118-116 lead but Golden State had possession. Thompson attempted a three that failed and he had gone 0-7 from downtown. Brooklyn’s offense helped the Nets go on a 17-4 run.

It was a great night for the Warrior bench scoring 50 points in this game. It was tough night for the starting roster most notably Thompson and Wiggins. Thompson had ten points and Wiggins finished with a disappointing four points. Curry had the high finishing with 26 points.

Kyrie Irving was a challenge for the Warriors the entire game. He finished with 38 points and seven rebounds.

Wednesday night the Warriors will play the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.