Warriors Outplayed Against Magic 115-101

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) celebrates with center Wendell Carter Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco at Chase Center on Fri Jan 7, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Outplayed Against Magic 115-101

By Barbara Mason

After a disappointing loss to the Pistons Wednesday night the Golden State Warriors (20-20) took on a very young Orlando Magic (15-25) team. The Magic have been stringing wins together including back to back wins over the Boston Celtics. The Magic are a dangerous tenacious team despite their youth and they came away with a win over the Warriors 115-101.

Andrew Wiggins and Andre Iguodala were back with the team tonight but Klay Thompson did not take the court out with left knee soreness.

The Warriors won the first quarter 29-28. The Orlando Magic came out strong shooting 55%. The Magic won the second quarter 34-30 and at the half led 62-59. Anthony Lamb carried the team in the first half finishing the first two quarters with 22 points. No other Warrior had double digits in fact the next closest player for Golden State had nine points.

The Magic’s Paolo Banchero had 19 points and Franz Wagner had 12. Both of these players stand at 6’10” and create some tough defense. Orlando had 30 points in the paint and the Warriors turnovers became problematic. The Magic had 11 points off turnovers.

Orlando led, while not by much, for most of the first half. The Magic got their largest lead of the night in the early minutes of the third quarter 71-62. Draymond Green already had four fouls with a lot of game still to be played. The Warriors got incredibly careless with the turnovers and the Magic now had 18 points off turnovers.

The third quarter had started out in a very sloppy manner. The Warriors were getting outplayed and trailed by 13 points with 6:06 left in the quarter. Golden State was relying on the shots beyond the arc rather than driving the basket getting into the paint.

The Warriors already had 14 turnovers with three minutes left in the third and were only shooting at 42%. Golden State needed better execution on both ends of the floor offensively and defensively. The Heat won the third quarter 30-23 and led by ten points 92-82 in some really stagnant play by Golden State.

The Warriors would need a furious fourth quarter if they expected to win this game. They did not and the best home team in the league bit the dust. It was so disappointing on so many levels, offensively and defensively, in the paint and especially beyond the arc.

The Magic played a superior game. Banchero had 25 points and Wagner with 24. Orlando had their way with Golden State from start to finish and with each quarter the Warriors fell further behind.

Anthony Lamb had 26 points off the bench and Jordan Poole finished with 21 points.

The Warriors will play their last home game on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns. Two teams with identical records at 20-20. The Suns have been really struggling these past few weeks so this is a game Golden State really wants to win before they head out on the road. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Warriors Lose to Pistons in Final Second of Game 122-119; Green ejected on second technical

Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Jan 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Lose to Pistons in Final Second of the Game 122-119

By Barbara Mason

Going for their sixth win in a row, the Golden State Warriors (20-19) took on the young upstart Detroit Pistons (11-30) Wednesday night at Chase Center in San Francisco. Andrew Wiggins was still unable to play tonight as was Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman. The Warriors had a five game winning streak snapped as the Pistons stayed the course against Golden State coming away with a 122-119 victory.

The Warriors got off to a very disconcerting start. Luckily for Golden State they got on track after the first few minutes of the first quarter. The Pistons were shooting a shocking 67%, crazy for a team that is 28th on offense in the league. After the first twelve minutes of play Detroit led 34-26.

Leading after the first quarter gave the Pistons a lot of confidence that they took into the second quarter. Bojan Bogdanovic was leading the Pistons in points with 17. The Pistons finished the first quarter on an 8-0 run and were looking to put an end to the Warriors win streak at Chase.

The Warriors took a brief one point lead in the second quarter 39-38 at 9:17 but it was short-lived. At the half the Pistons continued to hold the lead 60-56.

Jordan Poole had 13 points in the half but it was the bench that came out hot in this game. They accounted for 30 points in the half between Anthony Lamb, Ty Jerome and Moses Moody. They had kept Golden State in this game. The Warriors continued to struggle with turnovers committing nine and they desperately needed to tighten up they’re defense in the second half.

The rhythm and flow that we are used to seeing from Golden State was absent and one wondered if the double overtime Monday night had taken a toll.

The Warriors took another brief lead in the third quarter but couldn’t get on top of Detroit. The Pistons led after three 91-88.

With 7:33 left in the fourth quarter the Warriors had come from ten down to take the lead 99-98. The Warriors could not sink a three to save their life and were 11 of 33. They were climbing uphill the entire evening. With 5:06 left Klay Thompson hit his first three of the night followed by a second three.

The Warriors had 3:45 to turn this game around. The Pistons had 15 shots from downtown to their credit and with 1:24 left in the game had a 117-112. The hoped for sixth win in a row was on shaky ground. It got even worse when Draymond Green was ejected with his second technical.

With 04.2 left on the clock the Warriors had the ball trailing 119-116. Thompson hit from downtown and we had a tie game at 119 with one second left in regulation. Detroit would end the Warriors perfect home stand with a shot from downtown winning it 122-119.

Thompson had the high with 30 followed by Jordan Poole with 24. The bench had a great game with a combined 48 points.

The Detroit Pistons played a great game, a high caliber game. The high for the Pistons was Bojan Bogdanovic with 29.

Saturday night the Warriors will take on the Magic playing their seventh home game in a row. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30.

Golden State Warriors game wrap: Warriors Win Crazy Double Overtime vs Hawks 143-141; Fifth Straight win for Golden State

“Peek a Boo I see 54 points” as the Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) finished on top of the leaderboard against the visiting Atlanta Hawks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Jan 2, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Win Crazy Double Overtime vs Hawks 143-141

By Barbara Mason

Monday night the Golden State Warriors (20-18) took on the Atlanta Hawks (17-20) to pick up their fifth straight win 143-141 as they continued their home-stand. The Warriors were missing Andrew Wiggins due to illness and James Wiseman (left ankle sprain) and Jonathan Kuminga (right foot sprain) also were out for the game. The Hawks in this game dropped their fourth straight game to hand the Warriors a double overtime victory.

Game recap: The Warriors got another great start in this game. Klay Thompson was still shooting lights out finishing the first quarter with 17 points. Golden State led after the first 12 minutes 38-26.

The Warriors took that energy into the second quarter and continued to extend their lead. The Hawks struggled on defense and Golden State took full advantage. The Warriors were shooting close to 54% and had extended their lead at the half to 70-53. The second quarter went to the Warriors 32-27.

Thompson had 22 points in the first half of play. Jordan Poole had 12 and off the bench Anthony Lamb had 13 points.

Last Friday the Hawks got a nightmare second quarter from the Warriors. Tonight it was a horrific third quarter for Golden State. They let a 21 point lead vanish and found themselves tied at 95 as the third quarter wrapped up. The Hawks won the third quarter in convincing style 42-25 in a dramatic turnaround.

Atlanta took a significant lead in the fourth quarter and it looked for a time like the winning streak would come to an end. Donte Divincenzo had yet another desperately needed three tied that up this game with six seconds left on the clock. It was on to overtime.

As overtime got underway it became painfully apparent that the Warriors offensive flow had left the building. The Hawks got off to a five point advantage but Golden State fought back and tied this game at 132 with 13.7 left on the clock. The Warriors were unable to take a shot in the final seconds and so it was on to double overtime.

It seems as if the Warriors have a different hero every time. Tied at 141 with 7.6 left on the clock it was Kevon Looney with a tip-in for the improbable win 143-141.

There were so many heroes in this game tonight. Thompson finished this game with an unbelievable 54 points. Divincenzo got the Warriors into the overtime scenario with a shot from downtown with six seconds left in the game. Draymond Green got the Warriors into the second overtime with a clutch three and Kevon Looney sealed the deal with the tip-in as the clock expired.

The Hawks caught fire in the second half. Trae Young finished with 30 pts. Collins and Murray had 25 points apiece. Off the bench Bogdanovic had a great game with 21 points.

The Warriors got their offense going in the closing minutes of each of the overtimes. This game could not have been closer but Golden State wanted this win and fought tooth and nail to extend their winning streak to five.

The Warriors will take on the Pistons Wednesday night. They will regroup and get a bit of a breather tomorrow. This was a physically draining game for both teams and Golden State will really need tomorrow off. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 at Chase Center on Wednesday.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors looking fifth straight win over Hawks tonight at Chase

Golden State Warriors guard Ty Jerome, left, grabs the ball while defending against Portland Trail Blazers forward Jabari Walker during the first half at Chase Center on Fri Dec 30, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Golden State Warriors (19-18) had a brilliant first quarter taking an early 9-0 lead and with under three minutes left in the opening quarter had stretched out that lead to 18, 33-15 against the Portland Trailblazers (18-17).

#2 Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson had a great quarter giving their team a 41-25 lead after the first 12 minutes. It was an explosive start for the Warriors to open the game this way.

#3 Poole had 22 points in the first half, his seventh game shooting for 20 or more in a half. Thompson had 15 points and Ty Jerome had nine off the bench including a last second 47 foot shot to end the first quarter.

#4 Portland had a couple of turnovers and with 22 seconds on the clock Divincenzo hit a monster three to take a 118-112 lead. The Warriors finished the game on a 16-2 run in an unlikely win keeping their win streak intact. They are now 16-2 at home.

#5 The Warriors host the Atlanta Hawks (17-19) tonight at Chase Center in San Francisco for a 7:00pm tip off. The Hawks were defeated in their last game Friday 130-121 by the Los Angeles Lakers. The Hawks have lost six out of their last ten games how do you see tonight’s match up?

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

Warriors In A Gritty Win Over Portland 118-112

Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) gestures after 3-point basket during the first half  at Chase Center San Francisco on Fri Dec 30, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors In A Gritty Win Over Portland 118-112

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Golden State Warriors (19-18) took on the Portland Trail Blazers (18-17) at Chase looking for their fourth straight win in a row at home. They have been playing lights out despite being short-handed.

Jordan Poole has been spectacular along with Klay Thompson, and Donte Devincenzo has made some amazing strides. The Warriors have beaten some very good teams in the past four games and they meet another one tonight. As the Warriors battled this one out for a 118-112 win over the Blazers.

The Warriors had a brilliant first quarter taking an early 9-0 lead and with under three minutes left in the opening quarter had stretched out that lead to 18, 33-15. Jordan Poole and Thompson had a great quarter giving their team a 41-25 lead after the first 12 minutes. It was an explosive start for the Warriors to open the game this way.

It was just a matter of time before the Trail Blazers turned their slow start around. They erased an 18 point Warrior lead and at the half Golden State was leading by four points 60-56. The Warriors played some sloppy basketball in the final minutes of the half letting Portland take the momentum away from them. The Trail Blazers won the second quarter 31-19.

Poole had 22 points in the first half, his seventh game shooting for 20 or more in a half. Thompson had 15 points and Ty Jerome had nine off the bench including a last second 47 foot shot to end the first quarter.

Portland’s Damien Lilliard got off to a slow start but more than made up for it shooting for 19 points. It was just a matter fo time before he got going and the Warriors would have to contain him in the second half.

Early in the third quarter Portland took their first lead of the game 64-63. It was short-lived when Thompson answered with a triple. This game would start to trade leads but the momentum had clearly turned around in favor of Portland. The Warriors defense had to step it up. They were allowing far too many offensive rebounds.

Second chance points was the difference in this game and it was clearly in favor of Portland. The Trail Blazers continued to accumulate offensive rebounds. They led after three quarters 96-88 winning the quarter 40-28. The Warriors would have to stage a comeback if they wanted to keep they’re winning streak intact.

The Trail Blazers continued to lead in the fourth quarter. Getting stops against Portland was like pulling teeth. It was painful to watch. The Warriors finally started to make some stops erasing an 11 point Portland lead. Golden State trailed by a single point 110-109 with 2:37 left in the game.

The Warriors went crazy in the final two minutes of the game. The crowd at Chase was thunderous and the Trail Blazers began to make mistakes partially due to the noise.

Portland had a couple of turnovers and with 22 seconds on the clock Divincenzo hit a monster three to take a 118-112 lead. They finished the game on a 16-2 run in an unlikely win keeping their win streak intact. They are now 16-2 at home.

Poole and Thompson shot for over 70 points in this game. Poole had 41 and Thompson with 31 in an amazing effort.

The Warriors will get the weekend off before taking on the Atlanta Hawks at Chase. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Golden State Warriors game wrap: Warriors Finish Off Jazz in Come From Behind Win 112-107; That’s Three wins in a row for Golden State

Golden State Warriors forward Patrick Baldwin Jr., left, drives to the basket against Utah Jazz guard Malik Beasley during the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Dec 28, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Finish Off Jazz in Come From Behind Win 112-107

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night the Golden State Warriors (18-18) took on the Utah Jazz (19-18) at Chase Center. They had a huge challenge with Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins still out and Klay Thompson who did not take the court tonight. Golden State won their third straight game 112-107 and got back to .500, but to also settled a score that dates back to December 7. The Warriors lost that game in the final 1.4 seconds of the game 124-123.

The Warriors took the court without Curry, Wiggins and Thompson but the Warriors had enough fire- power to give the Jazz a run for their money.

Wed game recap: The Jazz got off to a quick start leading 37-27 after the first 12 minutes. The Warriors answered in the second quarter winning it 27-22 and only trailed by five points at the half 59-54. With 1:39 left in the half the Warriors had tied up the game at 54. It was the Golden State bench that kept the team in this game with not only great offense but great defense as well.

The Jazz opened the third quarter with some great offensive efficiency. Lauri Markkanen was seven of 10 from beyond the arc. Both teams made shots from downtown but the Warriors trailed with five minutes left in the quarter 79-72.

Golden State needed the Jazz to cool off from downtown. Utah was killing them with triples. The Warriors had not led in this game since the first quarter. They trailed 94-88 going into the fourth quarter.

Golden State battled back and took a brief lead at 10:17 97-96. At 5:37 the Warriors had tied the game at 101 and at 5:07 Golden State took the lead again 104-101. The Warriors had ripped off a 10-0 run and led 107-101 with 4:43 left on the clock.

This game had an uncanny similarity to last night’s game. The Warriors were rebounding and showing off some impressive defense down the home stretch. Hopefully this game would have a different finish than the December contest. With 1:35 left in the game the Warriors again had a four point lead 107-103.

With 19.3 left in the game the Warriors took a 111-107 lead. They were on the cusp of a third straight win at Chase. It was a nail-biter from start to finish. The Warriors are 15-2 at home, the best in the NBA.

Jordan Poole finished with 26 points and Donte Divincenzo shot for 19. The Warrior’s bench was a huge factor in this win. Ty Jerome had 17 points.

Friday night the Warriors take on the Portland Trail Blazers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Warriors Gut Out Win Against Charlotte 110-105

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) shoots a 3-point basket over Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington during the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Dec 27, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Gut Out Win Against Charlotte 110-105

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday night the Golden State Warriors (17-18) hosted the Charlotte Hornets (9-26) at Chase Center. This is the second and final game in which these two teams will meets this season. The Hornets beat the Warriors in overtime in their first game last October.

That loss was on the road and set the stage for the string of losses that have followed. The Warriors picked up another win on this homestand with a 110-105 win over the Hornets.

The Warriors needed to start fast and one key in this game was to lock up the paint. The Hornets are not great from downtown and they are also sketchy in defensive transition, weaknesses that the Warriors wanted to exploit. Charlotte’s Kelly Obre Jr. was out for this game.

Obre is a key piece in this rotation and will miss this game with a right hand sprain. LaMelo Ball will pick up the slack for Charlotte along with Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward.

The Warriors looked for another fast start in this second game of their home-stand. Last Sunday Jordon Poole had an amazing start and Klay Thompson did not get going until the second half.

The first quarter was a great start for Golden State with both Poole and Thompson off to the races from the start. The Warriors led 37-26 after the opening quarter. The entire bench was also contributing with some great offensive play.

Golden State led at the break 65-52. They had slightly extended their first quarter points lead and had contained Ball who only had seven points and was in a bit of foul trouble with three at half time.

Thompson had the start we were all waiting to see finishing the first half with 20 points and Jordan Poole had 12 after two quarters. Golden State only had six turnovers in the half, another plus.

After three quarters the Warriors held onto an eleven point lead 89-78. The Hornets really dug in offensively with a 12-2 run in the fourth quarter. The Warriors saw a 17 point lead shrink down to 96-95 with 7:07 left in the game. This game got very uncomfortable in the final four minutes.

The game was tied at 101 with 4:07 left on the clock. Both teams had committed thirteen turnovers and the three’s were just not falling for Golden State. They only had eight from downtown; they were eight of 37. Both teams were shooting at 41% and both teams were pretty miserable from beyond the arc.

The Warriors really stepped up in the final minutes to close out the game. Jonathan Kuminga was on fire playing like a veteran, especially down the stretch. He was four of four in the fourth quarter. You have to credit the Hornets with the comeback they made. They came up just short as Golden State won yet another game at home.

Thompson finished with 29 points and Poole had 24. Off the bench Kuminga had 14 points and six rebounds playing a huge role in this win.

Tomorrow night the Warriors take on the Utah Jazz in a tough matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors start 8 game homestand with 123-109 win

Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney, center left, drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams, center right in first half action at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Dec 25, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 The first half was a much needed “Poole Party” with Jordan Poole finishing the first two quarters with 20 points. At the half the Golden State Warriors (16-18) led 59-54.

#2 Golden State desperately needed more from Klay Thompson who had to step it up in the second half. He had seven points in the half and in the absence of Stephen Curry both of these guys, Thompson and Jordan had no choice but to step it up in every game.

#3 Golden State desperately needed more from Thompson who had to step it up in the second half. He had seven points in the half and in the absence of Curry both of these guys, Thompson and Jordan had no choice but to step it up in every game.

#4 Barbara, Poole was lights out against the Memphis Grizzlies (20-12), Poole led all scorers with 32 points and there was nothing the Grizzlies could do to shut him down this is a performance that lead the Warriors to start stringing wins together after they’ve really been struggling on the road.

#5 The Charlotte Hornets (9-24) who are 2-2 on this current road trip pay Golden State a visit on Tuesday night at Chase Center. The Warriors have lost seven of their last tem games but really turned it around on Christmas night. How do you see this match up Tuesday with the Hornets?

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

No Curry, No Wiggins, No Problem Warriors Beat Grizzlies 123-109

Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) shoots a 3-point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Dec 25, 2022 (AP News photo)

No Curry, No Wiggins, No Problem Warriors Beat Grizzlies 123-109

By Barbara Mason

Christmas Day the Golden State Warriors (16-18) hosted the Memphis Grizzlies (20-13) at Chase Center. After being absolutely obliterated by the Nets Wednesday evening 143-113, taking the court back at Chase will be good for the team. Warriors guard Jordan Poole led with 32 points in the 123-109 win over the Grizzlies.

The Warriors lost the first quarter of that game 46-17 and trailed at the half 91-51. The absence of Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins weighed heavily on the team. Their most recent road trip was a real disaster with not only the loss of Curry but also going one of five. They will now have an extended home stand playing eight games at Chase.

Christmas day game recap: The Warriors led after the first quarter 33-29. In the opening quarter the Warrior were able to keep Ja Morant somewhat contained. The first half was a much needed “Poole Party” with Jordan finishing the first two quarters with 20 points. At the half the Warriors led 59-54.

Golden State desperately needed more from Thompson who had to step it up in the second half. He had seven points in the half and in the absence of Curry both of these guys, Thompson and Jordan had no choice but to step it up in every game.

They would be the anchor that rights this team until Curry is able to rejoin the team. Curry will be re-evaluated in two weeks. January 7th is a date that has been put out there but more will be revealed in a couple of weeks.

Golden State turned it on big time in the third quarter leading 99-84. Poole showed no signs of slowing down and Thompson had turned it up a notch more than doubling his point count in the entire first half.

Golden State kept their foot on the pedal in the fourth quarter finishing off the Grizzlies 123-109. Poole finished with 32 points and Thompson really stepped it up shooting for 24 points. Draymond Green had 13 rebounds for the game. The Warriors always shine at Chase and this game was no exception. Playing the next eight games at home is going to be a real positive.

Tuesday night the Warriors will meet the Hornets at Chase Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Warriors blown out once again by Nets 143-113; Golden State losers of five of last six games

Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons (10) dunks the ball in front of Golden State Warriors’ Jordan Poole (3) and Anthony Lamb (40) during the first half at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Wed Dec 21, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

BROOKLYN, NY. — The Golden State Warriors (15-18) finished their rough six-game road trip with a back-to-back blowout loss, falling 143-113 to the Brooklyn Nets (20-12) on Wednesday night at Barclays Center.

Brooklyn pummeled Golden State in the first half, scoring 91 points, the third-biggest in NBA history. The Warriors had 51 at the half, without injured Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson, who sat out after facing the New York Knicks on Tuesday.

The Nets made 11 of their first 12 shots and led 46-17 at the end of the first quarter. The 29-point differential was the biggest in any period in the league this season.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said early turnovers, totaling 21 by the end the night, helped the Nets gain momentum.

“We set a bad tone. You can’t, you can’t play defense recovering from a turnover, and so that was the biggest issue to start the game. We were just trying too hard to create plays and getting out of control,” said Kerr. “And then they made everything. They were phenomenal in the first half.”

Former Warriors player Kevin Durant got a technical foul for celebrating on the sidelines after Nets teammate Ben Simmons slammed down a pass. It didn’t matter much, since the Nets were up 68-31 halfway through the second quarter.

Warriors forward Patrick Baldwin Jr., who guarded Durant after a timeout, acknowledged that many young players look up to him.

“At that moment you’ve just got to step up to the challenge. I thought a lot of guys did that tonight,” said Baldwin Jr. “KD is going to be KD, he’s going to hit his tough shots, he’s going to get to his spots, but I thought a lot of guys stepped up and accepted that challenge.”

The Warriors sank to 95-51 after Simmons scored the first two baskets in the third quarter. They did not come close to closing the gap in the fourth.

Golden State’s leading scorer was James Wiseman, who had a career-high 30 points on 12-for-14 shooting.

Wiseman, whom the Warriors recently recalled from the G League and has an uncertain future, said the team had too many turnovers and broke down on defense.

“We just got to have communication and stuff and we’ll be alright,” said Wiseman. “But I feel like we did way better than the last game just in terms of playing and stuff.”

The Warriors (15-18) are on a two-game losing streak after the Knicks beat them by 38 points, and went 1-5 on the road. They return home and have several days off before a Christmas Day game against the Memphis Grizzlies (19-11) at Chase Center. Tip-off is at 5 p.m.