Category: Golden State Warriors

Warriors Handle Washington 129-118; Former Warrior Poole leads Wizards with 25 points

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Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (left) and Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson (right) share a laugh before Fri Dec 22, 2023 at the Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Golden State Warriors (13-14) handled the Washington Wizards (5-22)129-118. Jordan Poole was greeted with cheers from the crowd. Considering what he did when he was with Golden State he more than deserved the accolade. He was clearly moved by the reaction from the fans.

Stephen Curry continues to roll and it has gotten even better with Klay Thompson really heating up. With the absence of Draymond Green, Jonathna Kuminga has added so much to the starting roster as has Brandin Podziemski. Andrew Wiggins will be out for this game due to general illness. The Warriors bench has been terrific with Chris Paul, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Moses Moody. The Warriors have been playing great ball lately winning three games in a row and looking to make it four.

The Warriors want to come out in the first quarter setting the tone; they want to dictate play from the get-go. It did not go exactly as they had wanted. Golden State really struggled to begin the quarter. Four minutes in, they got going but it was the Wizards who got going early leading 15-7 at 7:33. It took the Warriors nearly the entire quarter but after the first 12 minutes Golden State had taken the lead 28-25. The Warriors were being tested in the opening quarter. There was more good news for the Warriors; coming out of the quarter without a single turnover.

At the half, the Warriors continued to hold the lead 63-61, but the Wizards continued to hang around winning the second quarter 36-35. Curry had 17 points in the half and Kuminga finished the half with 16.  Jackson-Davis was terrific off the bench with 8 points and 9 rebounds looking for his second double double in a row.

The Warriors began to extend their lead as the clock began to wind down on the third quarter. The Wizards had continued to play close through much of the quarter until Golden State started to distance themselves from Washington. 

With under two minutes left in the third the Warriors had taken a 101-80 lead, their largest of the game. Offensive and defensive excellence told the story of the third quarter. They committed their first foul of the quarter with seconds left. Their two point lead at the half had ballooned into 18, 101-83. Through three quarters Golden State had protected the ball really well with only eight turnovers.

Defending without fouling was the key for Golden State in the fourth quarter as the bench took over to finish this game. An 11-0 Washington run sent this game in a Wizard direction with 2:14 left in the game. The Warrior 23 point lead had been cut to 13 with less than two minutes on the clock. The bench held on winning the game 129-118.

Curry had 30 points and Kuminga finished with 22 in another phenomenal game. Thompson added another 20 points and the Warriors put this game away in the second half. Jackson-Davis finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds. Rebounds made a huge difference in this game. Golden State had 57 while the Wizards had 39 quite a disparity. Great ball protection resulted in only 12 turnovers. The Warriors had a balanced attack and the result was a nice win.

Despite the loss, the Wizard’s Jordan Poole had a productive game with 25 points. He was greeted with a lot of enthusiasm from the fans which was great to see considering what he did for the Warriors in his years with Golden State.

Post game notes: Friday night the Warriors took on the Wizards at Chase Center. This game follows the Golden State overtime win 132-126 over the first place Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. Curry scored 33 points in this dramatic win taking out Jaylen Brown and Company. 

The season leader for the Wizards is Kyle Kuzma with a game average of 23.6 points per game. Washington also has a familiar face with the tenacious Poole who is also one of their main threats. The Wizards have been struggling this season and Golden State beat the odds to even their season record at .500. 

The Warriors will continue Saturday night with another home game playing the Portland Trail Blazers. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 5:30 PM. 

   

Warriors Defeat Celtics In Overtime Shoot-Out 132-126

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) lets the Boston Celtics know it’s bedtime as Curry led Golden State with 33 points at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Dec 19, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

This game was a good old-fashion shoot-out with the Golden State Warriors (13-14) prevailing in overtime. Warriors guard Stephen Curry hit a clutch three with 11.1 seconds left on the clock giving the Warriors a 130-126 lead. Curry closed out this game with a couple of shots from the line giving Golden State a 132-126 win over Boston Celtics (20-6). Curry led in scoring with 33 points.

Game recap: The Celtics jumped out to the lead in the first quarter winning the first 12 minutes of play 40-30 in a high-scoring quarter. Boston cooled off in the second quarter and Golden State really got going. With 4:14 left in the first half, the Warriors had tied up this game at 54.

 Klay Thompson was 3 of 5 from beyond the arc and bench player Dario Saric was 3 of 3 from downtown. At 3:36 the Warriors had taken the lead 56-54. Curry wanted in on the action and he finally hit a three. 

There was a real ebb and flow in this game with the two teams trading shots, trading the lead and both teams fighting to take control of the game. At the half this game could not have been closer with Boston leading 65-62.

With the absence of Draymond Green and his energy, the team needed someone to step onto that role. They are getting a lot of help from Jonathan Kuminga and Dario Saric. Kuminga finished the half with 13 points and five rebounds and Saric had 11 points.

Thompson continued to hit critical shots and also had 13 points at halftime. Golden State had some turnover problems with eight committed in the opening half but they were shooting their three’s at 43% to the Celtic’s 30%. 

These two teams were almost dead-even shooting from the field. This had been a most entertaining first half with both teams playing very well. The Warriors had been down by as much as 12 points in the first half but they came roaring back cutting the Boston lead to three.

The first two minutes of the third quarter consisted of missed shots by both teams. Jaylen Brown finally broke through as the Celtics began to build on their halftime lead. Curry got hot but he also already had four personal fouls. 

The Celtics Jrue Holiday also had four personal fouls. At 5:31 in the quarter the Celtics took their largest lead of the game 85-70. As the clock began to wind down on the third quarter, the Warriors were matching the Celtics shot for shot. Boston continued to lead 97-86 going into the fourth quarter. 

The final three minutes of the game was off the charts as the Warriors had fought back from a 15 point deficit to within one point 116-115. Both Thompson and Curry hit three’s to forget the comeback. At 2:14 it was a tie game at 118. Curry hits a three and the games continues tied at 121 with 29 ticks left on the clock and the Celtics with possession. Boston was unable to score and this game went into overtime.

It was a dry minute and a half of play until Kuminga stole the ball on a bad pass from Al Horford taking it to the basket. Golden State took a 125-121 lead. It was crunch time and with 52 seconds left in overtime it was Curry time driving for a layup giving the Warriors a 127-126 lead. 

He followed that shot up with a 26-foot jumper and a 130-126 Warrior lead and it was good night for the Celtics. Curry added a couple of free throws for good measure and that was the ball game 132-126. Golden State had beaten one of the best teams in the NBA .

Curry had the high in this game with 33 points and Thompson continued the great play he has been having with 24 points. Kuminga had 17 points and seven rebounds and off the bench Trayce Jackson-Davis had yet another impressive game with ten points and 13 rebounds. 

The Warriors held onto the ball tonight with only ten turnovers really improving on ball protection. This was a most dramatic game with the Warriors prevailing.  

Post game notes: Tuesday evening the Warriors took on the Celtics at Chase Center. The Celtics are sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference. This was a huge challenge but the Warriors prevailed. Golden State had been playing well with their new starting lineup and were definitely up for the challenge. 

The Celtics have one of the best offenses in the NBA and will no doubt gave the Warrior’s defense a real run for their money. The Warriors were able to contend with and contained Brown, Jayson Tatum, Horford, Holiday and Derrick White. 

Thompson has been playing very well as has Kuminga giving Curry a lot of help. The entire starting lineup for the Warriors has been playing well as has their bench. This game was a real shoot-out.

The Warriors will be off until Friday night when they take on the Washington Wizards at Chase Center in another home game. The Wizards right now have a 4-22 record having struggled all season. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

  

Warriors Squeak Past Portland 118-114

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The Portland Trail Blazers forward Tourmani Camara (33) is sandwiched between Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (left) and Brandon Podziemski (right) in Portland on Sun Dec 17, 2023 (AP News file)

By Barbara Mason

Sunday night the Golden State Warriors (12-14) closed out another tight game, the second in a row beating the Portland Trail Blazers (6-19) 118-114. They set the pace in the first half but Portland battled back tying the game a number of times in the second half but never taking the lead. Klay Thompson was the high for the team with 28 points.

After beating the Brooklyn Nets last night at Chase Center, the Warriors took on the Trail Blazers at Moda Center Sunday night. The Trail Blazers have been struggling this season but they come into this game full strength. They are a young team and have a lot of growing to do. The Warriors on the other hand are filling in their starting roster and have that to contend with. After pulling Saturday night’s game out, the Warriors were able to string two wins together Sunday night. 

Game recap: The Warriors had a good start leading 27-23 after the opening quarter. They were more aggressive than the Trail Blazers in this game and really got going in the second quarter. They led at the half 65-49 after winning the second quarter 38-26. 

Stephen Curry only had four points in the first half but the rest of the team stepped up big time giving the Warriors the lead at the half. Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis all put together a great first half giving Golden State a sizable lead.

Despite being down by 16 points at the half Portland continued to fight. In the third quarter, the Warriors extended their lead to 22 points only to have the Trail Blazers cut their lead to 11. Golden State had cooled off considerably in the third quarter and Portland was coming up with some great defense.

With five minutes left in the quarter the Trail Blazers trailed by six points. At 2:12 this game was tied at 82 and it was a brand new ball game. Portland had taken control of this game in a real turnaround and the 22 point Warrior lead was gone. 

The Trail Blazers offense cooled off a bit as the third quarter came to an end and the Golden State’s offense had a surge to end the quarter. The Warriors had pushed their lead to 89-84 with one quarter left in this game.

With ten minutes left in the game the Trail Blazers refused to go away trailing by two points 91-89. Portland had not led once the entire game but at 8:08 this game was tied again at 93 as the Trail Blazers fought to take the lead.

Curry checked back into the game as the team was looking for some more Curry magic in the fourth quarter. Golden State pushed their lead back to nine 102-93 with five minutes left in the game as the Warriors were looking to end their road game losing streak. 

Playing off the bench really lit a fire under Andrew Wiggins; he was having a terrific game. Last night Curry carried the team and tonight it was the team that took the pressure off Curry bringing this win home. 

It was a tight finish with the Warriors holding a two point lead when the veteran experience of Chris Paul stepped in draining a three giving Golden State a 115-111 lead with 20.9 left on the clock. 

The Trail Blazers got to within one point 115-114 but fouled Curry who made one shot and missed the second. Portland fouled Brandin Podziemski who made both free throws and that was the game 118-114. The Warriors had broken a seven road game losing streak.

Thompson had a huge night with 28 points and off the bench Wiggins was lights out with 25 points and seven rebounds. It was a quiet night for Curry who finished with seven points and not a single three. 

Despite only seven points for Curry, his teammates filled in the gaps with some excellent play from Thompson, Wiggins, Kuminga, Podziemski and Tracyce Jackson-Davis. It was a complete team effort in this game tonight bringing home this win against a stubborn Trail Blazer team.

The Warriors head home to Chase to take on the Boston Celtics Tuesday night. The Celtics have a 20-5 record and sit in first place in the Eastern Conference. The Warriors will need all hands on deck from top to bottom in this game. Golden State will be looking for a third win in a row. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

  

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors get big scoring help from Curry in defeating Nets

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) takes a jump shot in the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Dec 16, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 How important was it for Golden State (11-14) to end their three game losing streak against the Brooklyn Nets?

#2 Guard Stephen Curry didn’t have a insurmountable amount of points during the three game skid but against the Nets on Saturday night he led with 37.

#3 Curry also had a big fourth quarter scoring 12 three point shots and that gave Golden State enough cushion to defeat the Nets 124-120 to end the skid.

#4 Game have been close and Curry teammate and splash brother Klay Thompson said the he would give him he needs saying it’s still early in the season.

#5 Barbara, the Warriors tip off against the Trailblazers (6-18) tonight at 6:00pm The Trailblazers have won three of their last ten games and are 14th in the Western Conference how do you see this match up tonight.

Join Barbara for the Warriors podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors Outlast Nets 124-120; Curry leads with 37 pts for Golden State

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry drives on the Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (left) and Nets forward Mikal Bridges (center) at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Dec 16, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (10-14) had a productive first half against the Brooklyn Nets (13-11) leading 70-54. They began to struggle in the third quarter giving up an 18 point lead going into the fourth quarter. 

The Nets not only trailed the Warriors by a single point in the early minutes of the final quarter but took the lead numerous times throughout the fourth quarter. Stephen Curry hit five shots in a row in the fourth giving the Warriors just enough to pull out this win. Giving up the lead this way is of some concern but they did come away with the win 124-120.

Saturday evening the Warriors took on the Nets at Chase Center. The Warriors are coming off a loss to the Clippers Thursday night 121-113. The Warriors are of course seeing a very different starting roster since the suspension of Draymond Green. Jonathan Kuminga is finally getting the chance to start and bench player Brandin Podziemski also joins him as a starter. The Nets Cam Thomas came in as a real threat shooting an average of 22 points. This was a very close and competitive game.

Game recap: The Warriors got on board early in this game winning the opening quarter 32-25. They went on to win the second quarter 38-29 extending their lead to 70-54. Going into the locker room at the half, the Warriors had control of this game and had sailed through the first half. They would have to keep the pressure on in the second half against a very dangerous Nets team. Games like this can turn on a dime; there can be no letdown.

The Nets began their comeback in the third quarter winning it 35-25 but still trailing 95-89. The Nets had erased an 18 point Warrior lead in the quarter and going into the fourth quarter, the Nets trailed by a single point 97-96 at 9:47. 

Curry went crazy in the final four minutes of the game hitting five shots in a row and with under 2 1/2 minutes the Warriors had a 120-115 lead. With just over a minute left in the game, the Nets were double teaming Curry trying to keep the Warriors off the scoreboard. 

There is no stopping Curry double-teamed or not. He hit a two giving Golden State a 122-118 lead. The two teams were trading shots and with 28 seconds left on the clock the Warriors had a 122-120 lead as this game predictably went down to the wire. 

Curry drove to the basket giving the Warriors a 124-120 lead which would be the final. The Warriors had finally been able to hold onto this game after giving up a huge second half lead. With only 14 turnovers, Golden State saw some nice improvement. 

They also hit critical shots in the fourth quarter en route to this win. It is of course concerning seeing Golden State drop the lead the way they did in the fourth quarter but they were able to hold on in the end.

Curry finished with 37 points which is just what this guy does. He carries this team but teammate Klay Thompson also had a great game with 24 points and Podziemski had 19.

The Nets Thomas finished with 41 points but his team came up just short. Brooklyn had a great second half winning both quarters. They gave the Warriors all they could handle and Golden State answered the call in this clutch game.

The Warriors will now head up to Portland playing the Trail Blazers Sunday night with tipoff scheduled for 6:00 PM.  

Sizzling Clippers Too Hot Too Handle for Golden State 121-113

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Los Angeles Clippers guard Terrace Mann (14) goes up to take a shot against the Golden State Warriors Jonathan Kuminga (front right) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Thu Dec 14, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (10-14) got close in this game, in fact it was a one-point game in the fourth quarter 103-102. The Los Angeles Clippers (14-10) hung tough in a very close match-up winning their sixth in a row. The final was 121-113.

Thursday night the Warriors (10-14) traveled to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers (14-10). The starting roster for this game had been changed up due to the indefinite suspension of Draymond Green. Andrew Wiggins started the game on the bench and Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski started the game. 

Kuminga has been playing lights out basketball and got a great chance to continue to prove himself with 15 points. The Warriors will be missing Draymond Green and Gary Payton II especially on the defensive end. The Clippers are really clicking right now and have won five in a row and will be looking for number six. These guys are playing outstanding basketball and it will be a tough call.

Game recap: This game was a close one as it got underway with the Clippers leading after the first 12 minutes 29-28. Los Angeles began to get some separation leading at the half 69-56. The Clippers had really turned it on winning the second quarter 40-28. 

The Warriors were struggling trying to keep James Harden from penetrating their defense and those pesky turnovers began to rear their ugly heads as well as misses from the line. Kawhi Leonard was also giving the Warriors a run for their money. At the half Harden had 18 points and Leonard had 17. Golden State needed to find some rhythm in the second half of this game.

The Warriors trimmed a 16 point Clipper lead to nine in the third quarter. At 7:00 in the third the Clippers had hung onto a 86-73 lead. Klay Thompson was keeping the Warriors in the game hitting 7 of 9 three’s with 27 points so far in this game. 

The Clippers refused to cool off putting a lot of pressure on the Warrior offense. Every time the Warriors threatened, the Clippers had the answer. Golden State would inch closer and Los Angeles would shut it down. 

With 2.5 left on the clock in the quarter Chris Paul hit a three to cut the Clipper lead to six 99-93. After trailing by 16, the Warriors had now pulled to within six points. They had cut down on the turnovers protecting the ball well and had won the quarter 37-30.

As the fourth quarter got underway the Warriors began to put on a lot of pressure in the paint and Golden State took over as the aggressor against one of the best teams in the league. With 8:51 left on the clock it was a one-point game 103-102 in favor of the Clippers. 

The Warriors had gone on a 16 to 4 run in a real battle. With under seven minutes left in the game the Clippers began to push back leading 108-102. The Warriors needed to make some buckets down the stretch because the Clippers were doing some great defensive things. 

Los Angeles is the third best defensive team in the league and they were putting on quite a show in this game. Thompson hit his eighth three with under six minutes and it was a fourth point game 111-107. 

Misses in the final three minutes by Golden State was the difference in this game, one of the reason that they came up short. Stephen Curry was 0-3 in the fourth quarter as Los Angeles closed out this game 121-113.

Thompson was the high for the Warriors with 30 points. The Warriors had a tough time with the extensive weapons that the Clippers possess. Golden State dropped to a 10-14 record.

The Clippers James Harden finished with 28 points followed by Leonard scoring 27. Amir Coffey had 18 and off the bench Norman Powell with 21. The team was also not at full strength with Paul George out due to left hip soreness in this game. They will be chasing number seven Saturday as they take on the Knicks.

Saturday night the Golden State Warriors return home to host the Brooklyn Nets at Chase Center with a 5:30pm PT tip off.

    

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Draymond and the Warriors

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Golden State Warrior guard Draymond Green (23) runs off the floor after spinning and hitting Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic and receiving a flagrant 2 foul at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Tue Dec 12, 2023 (AP News photo)

Draymond and the Warriors

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

SAN FRANCISCO–Draymond Green has been an outstanding player for the Golden State Warriors and has been part of the Warriors championships for years as they have ruled the NBA. However, his 2023-24 Warriors team is, at best, “mediocre”.

Although it is not Christmas yet, their record of 10 wins and 13 losses is not pretty, one you would not like to wrap in a box and give to a friend. If they want to make another run at the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy, they have to improve very soon, and Draymond Green is making that much more difficult. The Warriors look ‘old’ playing some teams that are younger, quicker, and bigger than they are.

Fans can see this and would tell you the same because there are no mysteries in the NBA. Many years ago, when my sons were teenagers, we took a vacation trip to Yellowstone National Park. One morning, as we woke up and walked out of our cabin, we saw a Buffalo lying beside the cabin wall just outside the door, not moving. We later reported it to a park ranger. I remember he told us, “You have to leave him alone; he is old, and he is dying, and he just cannot keep up with the herd”.

If the Warriors cannot ‘keep up with the herd” of younger and faster teams, maybe they should leave Draymond Green alone; they are finding out that it is much more difficult to carry this player, as good as he is, under these circumstances. They might not be able to win this year, and Draymond’s antics are becoming much more frequent and publicized.

During the Chicago Bulls’ dominant years, I covered them, broadcasting all Warriors games for Spanish radio, home and away, traveling with the team. I remember the antics of Dennis Rodman, who led the NBA in rebounding for seven consecutive seasons between 1991 and 1998.

Rodman is in the Hall of Fame; he was wild on the court, but he produced and even visited North Korea and spoke to that country’s dictator; which was “entertaining”. Rodman was indeed a character, he transcended sports.

On one occasion, Rodman was suspended for 11 games for kicking a cameraman. But Rodman was a ferocious defensive player who brought good news to the Bulls organization for many years. He also traveled to North Korea with a Harlem Globetrotters basketball team member and a crew to shoot an episode for an HBO series.

Green is no Rodman and has been suspended indefinitely for taking a shot at Suns’ Jusuf Nurkic. In the regular world, where most people live, not just in professional sports, many employees are referred to a psychologist for anger management.

I do not know if that is what Mr.Green needs, but I know the Warriors do not need these antics from Green, especially this season when they are not a dominant team. If you have to focus more on the suspensions of a player than his productivity, that is never good news. Especially in this social media era where billions of people carry their news in their telephones.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez for News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Green just can’t stay out of trouble; Faces second suspension and is out indefinitely over Nurkic punch

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Golden State Warriors guard Draymond Green (23) asks the official “who me” when hit with a flagrant 2 foul call after hitting Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (on floor face down) in the face at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Tue Dec 12, 2023 (USA Today photo)

By Barbara Mason and Jerry Feitelberg

The NBA has indefinitely suspended Golden State Warrior guard Draymond Green for his spinning punch to Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic on Tuesday night. Green was trying to get open on an inbound play when he spun around and hit Nurkic. Nurkic was behind Green and landed a punch to his face that landed him on the ground. Green was immediately ejected for a flagrant 2 foul.

This was Green’s third ejection of this season and his second suspension. His first suspension came when he had his hand and arm around the neck in a headlock of the Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert on Nov 14th which earned him a five game suspension.

Green said at the time of the first suspension that he had no regrets “I’ll come to a teammate’s defense any time that I’m in a position to come to a teammate’s defense. What matters to me is how the people that I care about feel, first and foremost.”

On this second suspension during the post game presser at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Tuesday Green apologized and said unlike previous suspensions and altercations he admitted making a mistake. He explained “I thought he was pulling my hip, and I was swinging a way to sell the call, and [I] made contact with him,” Green said. “As you know, I’m not one to apologize for things I meant to do, but I do apologize to Jusuf (Nurkic) because I didn’t intend to hit him.”

Accident or no accident Green will be suspended indefinitely pending his meeting with the NBA. Green is meeting with Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy to discuss the suspension. Nurkic was questioning what is wrong with Green and that he needs some kind of help. “What’s going on with him? I don’t know. Personally, I feel like that brother needs help,” Nurkic said. “I’m glad he didn’t try to choke me. At the same time, it ain’t nothing to do with basketball.”

Barbara Mason and Jerry Feitelberg are Golden State Warriors beat writers for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors Lose to Phoenix Suns in Final Minute 119-116; Golden State loses six of last ten games

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Golden State Warriors guard Draymond Green (23) hits the Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (28) in the face leading to Green’s ejection for a flagrant 2 foul. Green spun around and hit Nurkic in the face knocking Nurkic to the floor. (Larry Brown Sports till photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Phoenix Suns (13-10) beat the Golden State Warriors (10-13) for the third time this season 119-116. The starters for the Warriors gave Stephen Curry no help at all. Draymond Green was once again ejected and the team had to carry on without him. As in their last game, they had a chance to tie up this game and failed. The Warrior bench and Curry were the only positives coming out of this game. 

Game recap: While the Warriors did not have a great start in the first quarter of the game, they did have a good finish. After the first 12 minutes of play this game was tied at 25. Bradley Beal was back in the lineup for the Suns and hit a three in his first possession. He only played six minutes in the quarter. The Warriors protected the ball well in the first quarter with only four turnovers so some nice improvement protecting the ball.

The Warriors started rolling in the second quarter hitting shot after shot building a 40-27 lead at 7:53. They let the game turn around for the Suns with under four minutes left in the quarter. Phoenix had battled back going on a 16 to 5 run and trailed by two points 45-43.

 The Warriors had let the Suns back into the game and given up a sizable lead. With under two minutes left in the half the game was tied at 50. This game could not have been closer with Golden State holding a 56-53 lead after two quarters.

Curry had scored 16 points for Golden State and Devon Booker was the high for the Suns with 13 points. This game had started out fairly sloppy for both teams but picked up in the second quarter. Both teams had six turnovers in the first half of play.

With 8:23 left on the clock in the third quarter Green was charged with a flagrant 2 and ejected from the game. He used excessive force on Jusef Nurkic smacking him in the face and the saga continues as Green left the floor. So once again the Warriors would have to play without the defense that Green provides.

With 4:56 left in the third quarter this game was tied at 73. At 3:53 the Suns took the lead for the first time in the third quarter 77-75. As the clock ran out on the quarter the Suns had a 88-87 lead. They won the quarter 35-31 in a tight game. 

It was the Warrior bench that was keeping Golden State in this game. They had accounted for 54 points through three quarters. Curry was the only starter in double digits with 21. Once again he was carrying the team on his back and needed help from his starters. 

With seven minutes left in regulation it was a one-point game, the Suns clinging to a slim lead. With 3:03 left in the game, the Suns had extended their lead to 109-98. In the closing minute of the game the Suns coughed up the ball several times and Golden State pulled to within three points 115-112. 

The Warriors had gone on a 18-6 run and with 9.4 seconds left in the game they had possession and needed a three-pointer to tie up the game. Curry got a look but missed on a very tough shot. 

It was another tough loss for Golden State as Curry came away with 24 points but got absolutely no help from Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson. The loss of Green in the third quarter was just another blow for the Warriors. 

It was the bench that kept the Warriors in this game finishing with 78 points collectively. The Golden State bench was the story of this game. The Warriors got a handle on the turnovers committing 15.

The fourth quarter was the Devon Booker show as the Suns took this game away. Booker finished with 32 points and Bradley Beal had 16 points in his return. The Warriors did come roaring back but it was just too late. Golden State will now wait and see what the ramifications of the Green ejection will bring about.

Post game notes: Tuesday night the Warriors traveled to Phoenix to take on the Suns. After a very disappointing loss to the OKC Thunder last Friday night 138-136, the Warriors had been gearing up for Tuesday’s game. They cleaned up not only the fouls but the turnovers giving up only four against the Suns. After committing 29 in Friday’s game they did better. Kevin Durant was not on the floor for the Suns out with an ankle, his second straight game however he is expected to play on Wednesday night. Chris Paul was back on the bench for Golden State.

Thursday night the Warriors will take on the Los Angeles Clippers at crypto.com Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM.

 

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Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors battle the Suns Tuesday night at Footprint Center

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) defends the Oklahoma City Thunder’s guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) at Oklahoma City on Sun Dec 10, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder with 38 points it helped as the Thunder edged the Golden State Warriors 138-136 last Friday.

#2 The Thunder also got scoring help from Jalen Williams with 28 points and Chet Holmgren with 21 points the Thunder defeated the Warriors for the third straight time this season.

#3 This game was in overtime and Warriors guard Stephen Curry scored 10 of his 34 points. Klay Thompson had 22 points and Draymond Green had 12 points.

#4 The Thunder took advantage scoring 35 points off 29 turnovers committed by the Warriors.

#5 Next up for Golden State it’s onto Phoenix against the Suns at Footprint Center on Tuesday night a 7:00pm tip off. The Suns have won six of their last ten games and have lost their last two games.

Join Barbara for the Warriors podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com