Category: Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Kerr-Brown battles should be entertaining during Kings-Warriors meetings

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Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown encourages his team against the Golden State Warriors from the bench at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Nov 1, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Jerry F:

#1 The Golden State Warriors won a nail-biter Wednesday night as they downed the Sacramento Kings 102-101 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The Warriors won their fourth in a row and the second over the Kings this year. 

#2 It was a nip-and-tuck affair for all four quarters. The first half ended with the Warriors up by a point, 56-55. The Kings’ defense held the Warriors to 18 points in the third quarter to lead by five 79-74. The Warriors knew they had to find a way to beat Sacramento.

#3 The Kings’ head coach, Mike Brown, had Davion Mitchell start instead of Fox. Brown could have put Malik Monk in the starting lineup but felt Monk was better coming off the bench.

#4 Brown took that knowledge to Sacramento and turned the Kings into a defensive powerhouse. The Kings also have a potent offense led by Fox and Domontas Sabonis. With Fox out, the Kings knew the defense would be necessary if they hoped to get a win over the Warriors.

#5 The Warriors are back on the road to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night in the first game of the in-season tournament for a 5:00pm PT tip off.

Join Jerry for the Warriors podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors game wrap: Warriors win a nail-biter as they beat Kings 102-101

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Sacramento Kings forward Sasha Vezenkov (7) reaches out for the basketball as the Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Nov 1, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors won a nail-biter Wednesday night as they downed the Sacramento Kings 102-101 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The Warriors won their fourth in a row and the second over the Kings this year. As mentioned above, it took work. The Warriors had home-court advantage, and the Kings were without their star, De’Aaron Fox. Fox sprained an ankle in the Kings’ last game against the LA Lakers.

The Kings’ head coach, Mike Brown, had Davion Mitchell start instead of Fox. Brown could have put Malik Monk in the starting lineup but felt Monk was better coming off the bench. When Brown was an assistant with the Warriors, he was instrumental in helping the Warriors become one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.

Brown took that knowledge to Sacramento and turned the Kings into a defensive powerhouse. The Kings also have a potent offense led by Fox and Domontas Sabonis. With Fox out, the Kings knew the defense would be necessary if they hoped to get a win over the Warriors.

It was a nip-and-tuck affair for all four quarters. The first half ended with the Warriors up by a point, 56-55. The Kings’ defense held the Warriors to 18 points in the third quarter to lead by five 79-74. The Warriors knew they had to find a way to beat Sacramento.

The Warriors fought back. The fans felt the winner would be the team making a crucial bucket in crunch time. That is exactly what happened. With 33 seconds left, Warrior guard Stephen Curry made a two-point bucket to give the Warriors a one-point lead, 100-99.

The Kings big man, Sabonis, answered with a basket to put the Kings in the lead 101-100 with 15 seconds left on the clock. Brown did not want Curry to get the last shot. The defense was keyed on Curry. Somehow, Klay Thomson got free and took the shot from about 17 feet. Thompson, a future Hall of Famer, saw his shot go in for the score. There was 0.2 seconds left. The Kings could not do anything. The Warriors win.

Game Notes: With the win, the Warriors are now 4-1. The Kings are 2-2. Both losses have been the the Warriors.

The Warriors had six players in double figures. Curry led the club with 21. Curry made four threes. Dario Saric was great on both ends of the court. Saruic put 15 points on the board and six rebounds. Saric was excellent at defending against Sabonis throughout the game. Green had 13 points and nine assists. Andrew Wiggins and Thompson each had 14 points. Jonathan Kuninga added 12. 

The Kings also had six players in double figures. Sabonis led the Kings with 23. Malik Monk, coming off the bench, had 16. Mitchell had 13, Harrison Barnes had 14, Keegan Murray had 10, and Kevin Huerter had 11.

The Warriors are back on the road to face the Oklahoma Thunder on Friday night in the first game of the in-season tournament for a 5:00pm PT tip off.

Curry and Warriors Dominate Pelicans in Second Half Winning 130-102; Curry buries 7 three pointers

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) takes one of his three point shots in the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Mon Oct 30, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After the amazing game from Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and company last night against the Rockets the question was posed: would this team suffer from any sort of fatigue. That question was answered in the first half and the Warriors seemed to play even harder in the second half. Curry finished the game with 42 points in yet another outstanding performance in the 130-102 win; their third road win in a row.

Monday evening the Golden State Warriors (3-1) took on the New Orleans Pelicans (2-1) at Smoothie King Center. The Warriors are coming off a win over the Houston Rockets 106-95 Sunday night. Fatigue did not play a role in Monday night’s game for the Warriors. Playing those back to back games is draining and the Pelicans were playing some great basketball but ended their unbeaten streak.

Game recap: The two teams played a very close first quarter with the Warriors holding a slim lead after the first 12 minutes 29-27. At the half the Warriors still held a two-points lead 59-57. It was dead even in the second quarter with both teams scoring 30 points apiece.

It was anybody’s game going into the third quarter. Curry was back to his old tricks with three shots from downtown in the first quarter and a couple more in the second quarter. He really had to step up in the absence of Thompson and Kuminga and he did not disappoint. None of the Warriors showed any signs of fatigue in the first half nor for the rest of the game.

Golden State began to distance themselves from the Pelicans in the third quarter extending their lead going into the fourth quarter 98-78. The Warriors were taking care of Zion Williamson and the rest of the Pelicans.

Golden State was on their way to a spotless road record winning their third in a row. Curry and the Warriors continued the onslaught in the fourth quarter. With under three minutes left in the game, the Warrior’s bench took over slamming the door shut on the Pelicans leading 123-95.

This is the best that the Warriors have looked this season. Golden State did not dominate until the second half but when they got going it was all but over for New Orleans. The final was 130-102 and the Warriors would travel home with a perfect road record.

The road woes are history as the Warriors won their third in a row. Curry has been instrumental in every one of the first four games of the season finishing this game with 42 points in 30 minutes. He hit 7 of 13 three-pointers.

The Pelicans are a very good team but Golden State rendered them helpless in the second half. Moses Moody who started in this game had 13 points as did bench players Trayce Jackson-Davis and Chris Paul.

This game was a real test for the Warriors and they passed with flying colors. Kudos to the Golden State bench. Chris Paul, Gary Payton II, Brandin Podziemski, Dario Saric and Trayce Jackson-Davis all played nearly 2 quarters in total giving the starters some much needed rest.

Draymond Green played 22 minutes and had six points and six rebounds as he works back into the system. What was outstanding was the disparity between the rebound numbers.

The Warriors had 64 rebounds to the Pelicans 39 and their field goal and three point percentages topped New Orleans. Their turnovers are still significant but playing the way they are right now it doesn’t really matter all that much.

Zion Williamson helped his team keep it close in the first half but it all came apart in the second half when he got into foul quarter in the third quarter. He did finish with 19 points. The Pelicans played without starter Brandon Ingram who missed the game with right knee soreness.

The Warriors now head home for another date with the Sacramento Kings their second game against each other in the past four days. Golden State beat them in their first game Friday night 122-114 and this will prove to be another challenge for the Warriors.

The only game that the Warriors have lost this season was a loss at Chase against the Phoenix Suns in their season opener.

Tipoff for Wednesday’s game between Sacramento and Golden State is scheduled for 7:00 PM at the Chase Center in San Francisco .

13-3 run third

zion picked up his fourth quarer.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors out pace Rockets for second road win

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The Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) goes for the hoops being defended by the Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (left) and forward Kevin Looney (right) at the Toyota Center in Houston on Sun Oct 29, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 The Houston Rockets are a much better team than they were last season and will no doubt win more than 22 games. They hung tight with the Golden State Warriors until the fourth quarter.

#2 That is when Warriors guard Stephen Curry went nuts hitting four three’s in a row in the fourth and locked down this win for the Warriors 106-95.

#3 The Golden State Warriors (2-1) took on the Houston Rockets (0-3) Sunday evening with a full roster which included the long awaited return of Draymond Green. 

#4 The Warriors on the road played their second road game of the young season after beating the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center 122-114 last Friday night. They got road win number two.

#5 The Warriors continue on the road next traveling to Smoothie King Center to take on Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans Monday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM PT.

Barbara Mason does the Golden State Warriors podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Curry’s Four Threes in a Row Pushes Golden State Past Rockets 106-95

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) tries to keep the ball away from the Houston Rockets guard Fred VanFleet (left) at the Houston Toyota Center in Houston on Sun Oct 29, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Houston Rockets are a much better team than they were last season and will no doubt win more than 22 games. They hung tight with the Golden State Warriors until the fourth quarter. That is when Warriors guard Stephen Curry went nuts hitting four three’s in a row in the fourth and locked down this win for the Warriors 106-95.

The Golden State Warriors (2-1) took on the Houston Rockets (0-3) Sunday evening with a full roster which included the long awaited return of Draymond Green. His return had been changing hourly it seemed but it finally arrived in today’s game. The Warriors on the road played their second road game of the young season after beating the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center 122-114 last Friday night. They got road win number two.

The Warriors won both quarters in the first half, leading after two 57-47. Golden State won the opening quarter 26-24, a close one. Golden State put some distance in this game at the half winning the second quarter 31-23. There was of course, after so much time away from the game, the question of how much time Green would play. It was minimal, 21 minutes by game’s end.

The Rockets continued to hang in this game winning the third quarter 28-24. The game got very interesting in the final quarter. The Rockets tied up the game with 8:30 left in the game 85-85 and Houston took the lead 87-85 at 6:42. Houston refused to go away.

At 5:09 the Curry show got underway and when all was said and done he had shot four three’s in a row in an amazing display. The fourth three amazed even Curry himself.

Golden State began to distance themselves from the Rockets 102-93 with less than a minute left on the clock and the Warriors would win their second road game in a row 106-95. It is of course early in the season but considering their road record last year these two road wins are a thing of beauty.

The Warriors displayed what they are best know for, ball movement and player movement. It was not a great first three quarters for Curry until the fourth quarter came along. He finished with 24 points and seven rebounds and of course the four shots from downtown in the fourth quarter shut down the Rockets eliminating any hope for a Houston win.

Klay Thompson was hot in the opening quarters which kept the Warriors in the game. He had 19 points and four rebounds. Gary Payton 11 was also instrumental in the first half finishing with 15 points and three rebounds.

This is the hallmark of Golden State; when one player is slow to start there is always that player that “steps up to the plate” and in this game it was the combination of Thompson and Gary Payton 11.

The welcomed return of Green was just another highlight seeing him for the first time this season. He had four points and five rebounds demonstrating what he does so well, setting up shots for the team.

Head Coach Steve Kerr was pleased with Green’s effort in this game. He was a bit shaky in the first half but came on strong in the second half especially the third quarter. As Kerr put it “it will take some time to shake the rust off.” With this being the first time he has played all season it was all in all a nice effort.

The high score for the Rockets came from Jalen Green with 21 points. Jalen Green also had a great defensive game finishing with 9 rebounds. This was Houston’s third loss in a row not yet having won a game this season.

The Warriors continue on the road next traveling to Smoothie King Center to take on Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans Monday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM PT.

Golden State Warriors game wrap: Warriors Outlast Kings 122-114 For First Win of the Season

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks to drive on Sacramento Kings forward Sasha Venzenkov (left) at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Fri Oct 27, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Despite a nice run in the fourth quarter, the Sacramento Kings could not handle Golden State Warrior guard Stephen Curry and company in the fourth quarter. The Warriors won this game 122-114 on Friday night at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Curry had a terrific game scoring the game high 41 points in this playoff rematch. He was seven of ten from downtown and 14 of 19 from the field.

Friday night the Golden State Warriors (1-1) took on the Sacramento Kings (1-1) at Golden 1 Center. This was the first game on the road for the Warriors this season. They are of course hoping for far more success than they had last year.

Golden State was miserable on the road last season and that has to change as the Warriors go into the 2023-24 season. This will be a battle of the two Northern California Giants both coming off playoff runs last season.

The Kings came out on top in the opening quarter winning by the score of 29-24. Curry got the quarter going in favor of the Warriors but Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox finished off the quarter with a shot from downtown to give the Kings the 29-24 lead after the first 12 minutes of play.

The Warriors won the second quarter 36-28. The quarter was a close one with the game tied a number of time during the quarter but Golden State held a slim lead for most of the second except when this game was tied.

At the half the Warriors led 60-57 in an uncomfortably close game. The one thing that became very evident was that when Curry was on the floor good things happened. When he was on the bench the Kings had a lot more success and they took full advantage.

Golden State really got things going in the third quarter. Curry went on a burner with 34 points in the third at 4:25. The Warriors went on a 13-3 run that extended their lead to 83-73. The Warriors were looking to turn the rhythm of this game in their favor.

Golden State was leading the Kings in field goal percentage; the Warriors with 52% and the Kings with 44% as well as shots from beyond the arc. The Warriors had 41% to the Kings 34% from downtown.

Both teams came away with ten three-pointers through three quarters. Klay Thompson came alive in the quarter hitting back-to-back three’s and the Warriors had taken a 92-77 lead. The plays that Chris Paul set up in the quarter led to so many scoring opportunities.

Paul is a master. He had few turnovers which is what he does so well. The Warriors were running away with this game leading after the first three quarters 99-84. Golden State had won the quarter 39-27.

When it looked like Golden State was running away with the game the Kings made an amazing move in the closing minutes erasing a Warrior 18 point lead. Sacramento had pulled to within five points with just over a minute left in the game.

Golden State would not be denied however and shut the door on the Kings in the final seconds. The Warriors had won their first game of the season 122-114 and they had done it on the road.

Curry had the high score for both teams with 41 points. Thompson finished with 18 points but it was Curry that bid “night night” to the fans at Golden 1. Off the bench Jonathan Kuminga and Moody both had double digits.

It was the defense in this game that put it away for the Warriors. They outplayed the Kings in the second and third quarters. While the Kings did outscore the Warriors in the fourth quarter 30-23 it was too little too late.

Fox was the high for the Kings with 39 points. He had a great game and defensive giant Domantas Sabonis had 18 rebounds. They came up just short in this contest.

Golden State will continued on the road traveling to Houston to take on Rockets at Toyota Center. It appears that the Warriors still will not be seeing Draymond Green on the court in this one. Tipoff is scheduled for Sunday at 4:00 PM. The Warriors will be looking for a second straight road win in a row.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Durant says his number 35 should be retired; How big of a mistake was it to let Durant get away?

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Former Golden State Warrior Kevin Durant says his No. 35 jersey should be retired and hoisted in the rafters at Chase Center after what he did for the team in his short three years in San Francisco. (SF Gate file photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg:

#1 Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob said that no other player will ever wear No.35 again after Kevin Durant left Golden State for the New Jersey Nets in Nov 2019.

#2 Durant agreed with Lacob and said his No.35 should be retired. Durant was part of the Warriors for three seasons but was the key player on the team during those seasons and was part of back to back World Championships for Golden State.

#3 You might remember the bench argument between Kevin Durant and Draymond Green. The argument went from the bench and spilled over into the locker room back on Nov 18, 2018. Green yelled at Durant to sign his contract or get off the team on the Warriors bench. Durant’s contract was going to expire after the 2018-19 season. Some fans at the time thought that should be the last straw for Green and the Warriors should have traded him for such a high profile outburst and at Durant the team’s star player. It was Durant who later left for New Jersey.

#4 Durant had 18 points for the Phoenix Suns against his old Golden State teammates Tuesday night at Chase Center in San Francisco. Durant played a key part in the Suns 108-104 defeat over the Warriors.

#5 Jerry, it’s Mike Brown and the Sacramento Kings hosting the Warriors at Golden 1 Credit Union Arena in Sacramento on Fri Oct 27th. The Kings battled Golden State last season in the playoffs but were eliminated by Golden State. How do you see these two teams on Tuesday night matching up?

Join Jerry for the Warriors podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Phoenix Suns start season with win over Warriors 108-104 in SF

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Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) takes the ball up the floor against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Oct 24, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors hosted the Phoenix Suns at the Chase Center Tuesday night to open the 2023-2024 season. The Warriors lost their home opener by four points to the Suns 108-104. Both teams remade their roster over the off-season. The Suns acquired Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards and Jusef Nurkic from the Portland Trailblazers.

Former Warrior Kevin Durant came over to the Suns late last year in a deal with the Brooklyn Nets. The Warriors traded away Jordan Poole in a trade for the veteran point guard Chris Paul. The Warriors added Dario Saric and Corey Joseph.

Each team was missing a key player. The Warriors Draymond Green did not play due to an ankle injury, and the Suns’ Bradley Beal was out due to an injury. 

Each team wanted to open the season with a win. Like the Warriors, the Suns were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs last season. The opener could be a preview of the teams meeting later in the playoffs. Round one went to the Suns as they could grind out a win.

The Suns grabbed an early advantage in the first period. The Suns led 24-12 when the Warriors went on a 16-3 run. The teams ended up tied 28-28 after the first 12 minutes. The Suns dominated the second period. They outscored the Warriors by 15 points to finish the first half leading 61-46. The Warriors continued their bad habit of committing too many fouls.

The Suns had 15 shots from the free-throw line and made 12. The Suns shot 49% from the floor, the Warriors 31%. It looked like it might be a long night for the Warriors.

Things changed in the third quarter. The Warriors outscored the Suns 40-19 to finish the quarter leading 86-80. In the quarter, the Suns sent the Warriors to the free-throw line. Phoenix continued to turn the ball over, and the Warriors put points on the board due to their miscues.

The Warriors handled the ball better for the first three periods. However, teams have to play 48 minutes of basketball. Teams have no trouble overcoming a six-point deficit with 12 minutes to play. Jonathan Kuninga opened the fourth quarter with a bucket to up the lead to 88-80.

The Suns answered with an 11-0 run to lead 91-88. Neither team would wilt. Phoenix led by four 103-99 until guard Stephen Curry connected on a three to make it a two-point deficit. Phoenix connected on a three, but Curry’s three made it 106-104.

30 seconds remained to play. Phoenix worked the clock and scored with ten seconds left. The Warriors needed a four-point play. They were hoping to get the ball to Curry for the final shot. The Suns did not let that happen. Phoenix wins the opener 108-104.

Game Notes: Steve Kerr was disappointed with the Warriors loss. There were some bright spots for Golden State. Chris Paul scored 14 points, had six rebounds, and nine assists. Kuminga scored 12 points and had six rebounds. The one negative was Kuminga’s five fouls. Curry had 27 points.

Curry made four threes in 14 tries. Curry also committed five fouls and had to sit longer on the bench. Dario Saric scored seven, had seven rebounds, and played well on defense. Klay Thompson made three threes in 11 tries. 

The Warriors, unfortunately for them, turned the ball over five times in the fourth quarter. The Warriors defense had 11 steals and blocked six shots. 

The Suns had five players in double-figures. Devin Booker led the Suns with 32 points. Kevin Durant had a double-double with 18 points and ten rebounds. Jusef Nurkic had 14 points and 14 boards. Eric Gordon had ten points. Gordon made a key three late in the fourth quarter. Josh Okogie was the third Sun player with a double-double. The Warriors had no answer for Okogie. Okogie knocked down 17 points and had 15 rebounds. 

The Warriors start a three-game road trip with a game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday night at the Golden One Arena. The game will start at 7 pm.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: In they’re mid 30s can Warrior veterans make a run at the Finals this season?

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Golden State Warriors power forward Draymond Green (23) seen here in a scuffle with the Boston Celtics is questionable for opening night against the Phoenix Suns on Tue Oct 24, 2023 at Chase Center in San Francisco. At 33 will age play a factor with injuries for Green and other Warrior 30 somethings? (New York Times file photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 The Warriors head coach, Steve Kerr, had players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Chris Paul, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney exceed 20 minutes of playing time in their last pre season game against San Antonio.

#2 Kerr did not want any of those guys to get hurt. Draymond Green did not play due to an ankle injury.

#3  In the third quarter, Kerr had his starting five sit on the bench. Kerr wanted to see how Kuminga, Moses Moody, Dario Saric, and Corey Joseph would perform. 

#4 The other question for the Warriors is the age of their key player. Paul is 38, Curry is 35, and Green and Thompson are 33. Will they go through the grueling 82-game NBA season without injury?

#5 The regular season starts on Tuesday, October 24th. The Warriors will host the Phoenix Suns. Kevin Durant will be at the Chase Center for the first time since his Achilles heel injury in 2019.

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

Warriors lose final preseason game to Spurs 122-117 at Chase Center

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Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (left) and San Antonio Spurs head coach George Popovich (right) converse on the floor of Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri Oct 20, 2023 (@warriors photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Warriors played their final pre-season game Friday night against the San Antonio Spurs at the Chase Center. The Warriors lost for the first time by a score of 122-117.

The Spurs were led by their first-round pick, Victor Wembanyama. Webanyama is seven feet, four inches tall. He is 19 years old and appears to be a skilled offensive threat and a defensive force. Victor played 20 minutes and tallied 19 points, four rebounds, and an assist. He also blocked four shots. Victor will help get the Spurs back into the playoffs this year.

The Warriors head coach, Steve Kerr, had players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Chris Paul, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney exceed 20 minutes of playing time. Kerr did not want any of those guys to get hurt. Draymond Green did not play due to an ankle injury.

The Spurs ran the Warriors off the court in the first period. Wemanyama dominated play in the first seven minutes of the game. Victor scored 12 points in seven minutes and blocked three shots. The Warriors had trouble shooting over Wembanyama as he has a tremendous height advantage. The Spurs led 44-35 after the first 12 minutes, and Kerr had to be concerned about the Warriors lack of defense.

The Warriors held the Spurs to 28 points in the second quarter. They couldn’t cut the deficit as they also scored 28. Jonathan Kuminga led the Warriors with 12 points in the first half. Dario Saris and Curry each had 11.

In the third quarter, Kerr had his starting five sit on the bench. Kerr wanted to see how Kuminga, Moses Moody, Dario Saric, and Corey Joseph would perform. The Spurs’ head coach, Greg Popovich, had his second unit on the floor, too. The Spurs increased the lead to 87-71. The Warriors tried to come back, but the Spurs seemed to have the answer to stop the Warriors challenge. The Warriors did close the gap and finished the third quarter trailing 98-91.

Moody got hot in the fourth quarter. Moody kept making three-point shots. Saric and Kuminga played well as the Warriors got within three points of tying the game. They trailed 120-117. The Spurs held onto win.

Game Notes- The takeaways from the game for Golden State is this: The second unit will be better than last year’s version. Kerr had to be impressed with the plays of Kuminga, Moody, and Saric. It will be interesting to see if Chris Paul will be the leader of the second unit.

The other question for the Warriors is the age of their key player. Paul is 38, Curry is 35, and Green and Thompson are 33. Will they go through the grueling 82-game NBA season without injury? Let’s hope the younger players on the team can pick up the slack if any of the stars are hurt.

The Spurs will be much better with Wembanyama. The young man from France appears to be a future superstar. The one concern will be his ability to be a force against NBA players with bigger frames. Will he handle Anthony Davis, LeBron James, or Nikola Jokic? He has a slight frame. He does weigh 220 pounds, but that is spread over seven feet, four inches. Will he have the stamina to play 36 to 42 minutes in a game? Those questions will be answered soon when the regular season starts.

The regular season starts on Tuesday, October 24th. The Warriors will host the Phoenix Suns. Kevin Durant will be at the Chase Center for the first time since his Achilles heel injury in 2019. The Suns will also have Bradley Beal in the starting lineup.

The game will start at 7 p.m.