Category: Golden State Warriors

Warriors, Nuggets Bit By the Covid Bug

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The Golden State Warriors Draymond Green (left) defends against the Sacramento Kings Buddy Hield (right) during contest at Chase Center San Francisco on Mon Dec 20, 2021. Green said there were Covid 19 protocol rules in place to prevent the postponement of Thu Dec 30, 2021 game in Denver against the Denver Nuggets (AP News photo)

Warriors, Nuggets Bit By the Covid Bug

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday night the Denver Nuggets barely beat the Golden State Warriors 89-86. The Warriors were at a significant disadvantage with a number of starters and bench players sitting this game out on covid protocol. The team was scheduled to play the Nuggets in Denver in a back-to-back Thursday night hoping to settle the score.

The Warriors had arrived in Denver and shortly before the game were advised that this game would have to be postponed due to covid. This was the second Denver game this season that has been postponed. The Nuggets have 7 players that are out (injury) and four that were questionable for tonight’s game. Also out were Head Coach Michael Malone as well as a number of staff members.

The Warriors were waiting to see if the questionable players would be able to go. It was finally decided that this game would not be played tonight.

It was a very frustrating waiting game for Golden State. Draymond Green was vocal on social media blasting the NBA. “How do you continue to cancel games when you’ve implemented rules to prevent this from happening?

Is that not a competitive advantage for other teams? The guys we didn’t have due to the protocol list played no role in Tuesday’s loss? Pick a side but don’t straddle the fence,” he said. The game that will have to be played at a later date will probably be a back-to-back for the Warriors which is another advantage for Denver. Another great point that Green expressed.

So the bottom line is that between the covid cases and the injuries on the Nugget roster the team was unable to put together the league minimum eight players available to start this game. It is what it is but it’s the Warriors that will potentially suffer when this game is finally played.

There was no date for the rescheduled game at the time of this posting. So this virus continues to run rampant across the league. There are currently about 120 players on covid protocol along with countless head coaches joining them on the protocol.

Besides the Nuggets Head Coach Michael Malone on the covid list, Doc Rivers (Philadelphia), Frank Vogel (Lakers), Billy Donovan ( Chicago), Monty Williams (Phoenix), Chauncey Billups (Portland) and Mark Daigneault (OKC) also join Malone in the protocol. Every head coach in the NBA has been fully vaccinated.

The next game for Warriors is scheduled for Saturday night against the Utah Jazz at 6:00 PM. This road game for the Warriors has the Jazz slightly favored to win. With all the disruptions that the Warriors have faced lately they will have to dig deep once again. They have faced adversity before, it is no stranger to the Warriors. They have handled it in the past and they will attempt to do it yet again in Utah.

No Post-Christmas Miracle For Golden State Nuggets Prevail 89-86

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry after he converts shooting a 3-point basket, the 3,000th of his career runs up the other end of the court against the Denver Nuggets on Tue Dec 28, 2021 at the Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

No Post-Christmas Miracle For Golden State Nuggets Prevail 89-86

By Barbara Mason

The absence of Draymond Green really hurt the Golden State Warriors (27-7) offensively and most of all defensively. They dug a very deep hole for themselves in the first half of this game with poor shooting and turnovers. The results for the Warriors were just as bad in a three point 89-86 loss to the Denver Nuggets (17-16)

The good news for the Warriors was the return of Andrew Wiggins Tuesday night. They took on Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets in the first of back-to-back games against Denver.

There was some bad news however for Golden State in this game. The Nuggets completely outplayed the Warriors in the first quarter. Turnovers and missed shots gave the Nuggets the early 31-16 lead. While it was great to have Wiggins back, he needed help from his teammates who could not get anything going.

At the half the Warriors were looking at a 60-36 deficit. Denver was totally beating up Golden State in this game. The shots from downtown were elusive for the Warriors shooting 4 of 17. This was the lowest score of the season for Golden State in a first half. They were shooting 23% after two quarters. The Nuggets got off to a running start in this game and it would be tough to slow them down.

The Nuggets Will Barton had 17 points but it was the huge presence of Jokic that ruled the court in the first two quarters. The Warriors had a lot of work to do in the second half.

The Warriors had dug a deep hole and would need a monster third quarter to make up this deficit. Wiggins was high point man in the first half with 12 points and was the only player with double digits. Stephen Curry had two points and was 0-5 from downtown and they needed to somehow get Curry open. The bench didn’t have much going either. The bright spot of the contest Curry hit his 3000th career three pointer to become the first NBA player in history to accomplish such a feat.

This game could possibly be the best game that the Nuggets have played all season. They had it going at every turn, forcing turnovers and missed shots and they had totally contained Curry.

Golden State cut the 24 point half time deficit by nearly a half in the third quarter. The Nuggets started to miss some shots but the Warriors could not take full advantage of it. The third quarter did end on a high note as Curry hit his first three point shot of the game. Trailing by the score of 74-61 the Warriors needed stops and they needed a lot of them.

In the fourth quarter Jonathan Kuminga cut the Nugget lead to single digits with eight minutes left in the game. Denver had been held to 27 % shooting in the second half trying to hold onto a five point lead 79-74.

Denver had only shot 19 points in the second half with six minutes remaining. With less than a minute the game was tied at 84. The Nuggets Will Barton was the difference in this game scoring a tipped shot and a couple of free throws.

The final was 89-86. The post-Christmas miracle that almost was, did not come to fruition. Golden State certainly had a lot of opportunity to win this game but they just had too much to overcome.

Great defense by the Warriors in the second half was just not enough. The missed free throws, 15 in all, and the turnovers really hurt the team in this game. The double coverage on Curry all night was also challenging. He did finish with 23 points and five from downtown. It was just too little too late for Golden State.

The Warriors continue the home at home series and will have the opportunity to even the score Thursday night in Denver when they play a second game. Tipoff is schedule for 6:30.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Green, Poole, Lee and Wiggins all out on Covid protocols

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Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry (30) and Phoenix Suns Devon Booker (1) battled on Wed Dec 25, 2021 for the NBA Christmas Day special at Footprint Arena in Phoenix (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 The Golden State Warriors Draymond Green is out for Covid 19 protocols as announced by the team today with Green out of the line up how do you see that impacting the team as they prepare for the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night at Chase Center. Andrew Wiggins, Damion Lee, and Jordan Poole all out for Covid 19 protocols with Green.

#2 The Golden State Warriors (27-6) got a Christmas Day 116-107 win over the Phoenix Suns (26-6) at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Wednesday. This is the second time the Warriors have defeated the Suns this season.

#3 The win puts the Warriors on top of the Suns for the NBA lead by a game with the Warriors having one more win than the Suns in the win column.

#4 Warriors leading scorer Stephen Curry had 33 points against the Suns coming after he scored 46 against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday. The Warriors battling one of the best teams in the NBA needed all the help that Curry and the offense could provide in beating the Sun by nine points.

#5 Otto Porter Jr scored seven crucial points in the last few moments of the game he got a hot hand and it was the difference in his 19 point game to help Golden State win it.

#6 The Denver Nuggets (15-15) who are playing .500 ball winning five of their last ten games before their game Sunday in Los Angeles against the Clippers will tip off against the Warriors on Tuesday at Chase Center, Barbara tell us how you see that match up?

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

Battle of the Titans Favors Golden State over Phoenix 116-107

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) gets between Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) and guard Cameron Payne to take a shot at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sat Dec 25, 2021 (AP News photo)

Battle of the Titans Favors Golden State 116-107

By Barbara Mason

Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Payton II took the court in the absence of Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole to spur their team on to a 116-107 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Once again the Golden State Warriors (27-6) took the court on Christmas Day against the Phoenix Suns (26-56). It is the second year that they have played on the holiday and Head Coach Steve Kerr is not pleased with this schedule. He is confident however that this will not be the case next year but it is not at all fair. With the two top dogs in the league matching up it is all about the ratings.

Again the Warriors will be short-handed with Andrew Wiggins, Damian Lee and Jordan Poole still on covid protocol giving the Suns a definite defensive advantage.

The Warriors took the lead after the first quarter 33-27 but were outplayed in the second quarter by quite a margin, ten points. Golden State trailed at the half 62-58.

After two quarters the Suns had four of their starters in double digits but not a lot from their bench with only six points but it was enough to hold a narrow lead.

Guard Stephen Curry led the Warriors with double digits but it was the bench that kept the team in this game. Mid-way through the third quarter they had scored 20 points. The third quarter was a crazy physical affair and the Warriors began to build a slight lead with 4:36 left in the quarter 77-71. The Suns came roaring back and as the third quarter came to an end the score was tied at 84.

As the fourth quarter got underway one thing was certain, this game would have a wild finish. It was fast and physical as the Golden State bench continued to shine with 34 points after six minutes into the final quarter. The depth on this team is amazing and in the absence of Wiggins, Poole, Porter Jr. and Gary Payton II took care of business.

The Warriors won the game 116-107. Curry finished with 33 points, five from downtown. Otto Porter Jr. finished with a season high 19 points and Payton II with 14 points. Draymond Green was rock solid with seven rebounds, ten assists and eight points. Again we saw a great game from rookie Jonathan Kuminga with 12 points.

The Suns fought hard to the end with Chris Paul scoring 21 points. This was an elite matchup between two elite teams. The fact that the Warriors were short-handed was testament to the depth on Golden State right now.

Next Tuesday the Warriors will be home at Chase Center to take on the Denver Nuggets. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Short Handed Warriors Beat Memphis 113-104; Curry scores 46 points

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The Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry (30) is floored after scoring a three pointer on a night the Warriors were shorthanded. Curry made up the difference scoring 46 points against Dillon Brooks (24) and the Memphis Grizzlies at the Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

Short-Handed Warriors Beat Memphis 113-104; Curry scores 46 pts

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors(26-6) would really like a little revenge tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies (19-4) however they have their backs absolutely slammed against the wall. Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, Damien Lee and Andre Iguodala will not be on the court tonight. The team is still awaiting the return of Klay Thompson and James Wiseman so this game against the Grizzlies will be a major challenge.

Memphis has been a real pain in the rear for Golden State. They knocked the Warriors out of the play-in tournament in a disappointing defeat last season. The Grizzlies beat the Warriors in their first loss of this season 104-101 in a very tight game.The Grizzlies are currently 19-13 while the Warriors are 25-6. Golden State is in second place in the Western Conference and the Grizzlies are holding down fourth place in the same division.

The Grizzlies came out with a vengeance leading after the first quarter 31-27. The Warriors remained just within striking distance but had failed to take the lead.

The Warriors remained competitive trailing by two points with just over three minutes left in the half. After Stephen Curry made a technical free throw, Nemanja Bjelica had a chance to take a one point lead just before the half but missed. The Grizzlies led by a single point 53-52 after two quarters. Despite being without some key players, the Warriors were playing a solid game. They came mentally prepared for this game and it really showed.

The Warriors took the lead early in the third quarter 55-53. This was the largest lead of the night for Golden State. The good news was the fact that the Warriors are a third and fourth quarter team. Mid-way through the quarter the Warriors began to extend their lead 73-66. Curry came unleashed even though Memphis was all over him shooting 5 of 8 from downtown. As the third quarter began to wind down the Warriors led 78-73 in a real head-knocker, The one thing that was certain was that you could not count Memphis out. The Grizzlies fought back and in the final seconds of the quarter trailed 84-83.

Curry was doing his best to take this game home but the Grizzlies just would not go away. Every time Memphis got within striking distance, Curry reminded them who was in charge on this court. Just when the Warriors looked to be on course for a win turnovers began to take a toll on the team. Three in a row would not win this game. They had a few minutes to clean this up.

In the final two minutes Golden State delivered the knockout punch. The Warriors took this game away as the clock ran out winning 113-104. Curry had another amazing performance finishing with 46 points and 8 of 14 from downtown.

Off the bench Gary Payton had a great game with 22 points. He was asked about the difficulty of guarding superstar Ja Morant. “I just tried to wear him down, make it tough for him,” said Payton after the game His offense and defense was off the charts and the hard work he has put in has really shown in his shooting especially from downtown. Curry’s night was amazing but he has a cast of great support and together they won this game.

So the Warriors despite being short-handed got their revenge in this win. They will have another challenge on Christmas Day against the Western Conference leaders, the Phoenix Suns. Tipoff is schedule for 2:00 PM.

Warriors manhandle Kings in fourth quarter for 113-98 win

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Sacramento Kings forward Tristian Thompson (13) gets shot blocked by Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) at Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Dec 20, 2021 (AP News photo)

Warriors Manhandle Kings in the Fourth Quarter

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (13-19) really came to play against Golden State (25-6) and actually led by three points in the third quarter but could not maintain the lead. The Warriors came alive in the fourth quarter to take over the game winning 113-98.

Monday night the Warriors took on the Kings at Chase Center after a five game road trip.

After Saturdays game against the Raptors we did not know when we would see Jonathan Kuminga again. Fast forward and in the first quarter he played six minutes scoring twp points. Head Coach Steve Kerr turned to the bench and got some great work from Andre Iguodala with seven points and Otto Porter Jr with five.

The Warriors led 58-46 at halftime with guard Stephen Curry leading the shooting with 13 points. Draymond Green and Damien Lee both had ten points. Lee was spectacular in the first half playing 18 minutes. Golden State had eight steals and had the Kings back on their heels.

The Kings came storming out of the locker room in the third quarter playing some very competitive basketball. The Kings were still without Alvin Gentry and De’Aaron Fox while the Warriors were missing Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole all of them sidelined in covid protocol.

Curry sat out the entire third quarter. The 15 point lead that the Warriors had was trimmed down to two points with the Kings tying up the game with two minutes left in the quarter. The Kings briefly took the lead in the final minute of the third but could not sustain that effort in the final quarter of the game.

Going into the fourth quarter the Warriors led 84-79. Much of the lead was courtesy of Damian Lee who shot 18 points in this game. Green had a triple double in yet another brilliant performance and Curry finished with 30 points. The Kings put up a valiant effort with all of their starters scoring in double digits. It was just not enough and Golden State came away with the win 113-98.

Golden State will have a few days off before they take on the tough Memphis Grizzlies Thursday night at Chase Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors prepare for struggling Kings tonight at Chase Center

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Toronto Raptors’ OG Anunoby (3) drives at Golden State Warriors’ Damion Lee, center, and Moses Moody (4) on Sat Dec 18, 2021 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto (Canadian Press via AP photo)

On the Warrior podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, one of the things that head coach Steve Kerr wanted to do for his key players Stephen Curry (rest), Draymond Green (right hip), Andre Iguodala (right knee), Otto Porter Jr. (left foot) and Andrew Wiggins (left knee) was get them some rest from Saturday night’s game in Toronto and had them fly back from Boston after last Friday’s game.

#2 One of the other things that Kerr wanted is to have the starters not to have to go through possible Covid 19 exposure and possible quarantine in Toronto Canada which would be two weeks.

#3 Barbara talk about Jonathan Kuminga he got lots of minutes and scored a career high of 26 points you had a chance to mention in your post game recap after Saturday night’s game what was your impression Kuminga.

#4 Kerr said after the game that he felt the second half was better than the first half using G league players and developmental players and gave Kerr a chance to see who they have in the minor league system.

#5 The Warriors take on the Sacramento Kings tonight at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Kings are struggling they’ve lost four of their last five games. They lost a frustrating home game at Golden One Center on Friday night to the Memphis Grizzlies 124-105 and their head coach Alvin Gentry and star player De’Aaron Fox were both out because of Covid 19 protocols. Barbara how do you see the Kings and Warriors match up this afternoon at 3pm?

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

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors rested starters Saturday; Tip off with Kings tonight

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Toronto Raptors’ OG Anunoby (3) takes the ball against the Golden State Warriors’ Damion Lee, center, and Moses Moody (4) on Sat Dec 18, 2021 in Toronto at Scotiabank Arena. The Warriors host the Sacramento Kings Mon Dec 20, 2021 at the Chase Center in San Francisco (Canadian Press via AP News)

On the Warrior podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, one of the things that head coach Steve Kerr wanted to do for his key players Stephen Curry (rest), Draymond Green (right hip), Andre Iguodala (right knee), Otto Porter Jr. (left foot) and Andrew Wiggins (left knee) was get them some rest from Saturday night’s game in Toronto and had them fly back from Boston after last Friday’s game.

#2 One of the other things that Kerr wanted is to have the starters not to have to go through possible Covid 19 exposure and possible quarantine in Toronto Canada which would be two weeks.

#3 Barbara talk about Jonathan Kuminga he got lots of minutes and scored a career high of 26 points you had a chance to mention in your post game recap after Saturday night’s game what was your impression Kuminga.

#4 Kerr said after the game that he felt the second half was better than the first half using G league players and developmental players and gave Kerr a chance to see who they have in the minor league system.

#5 The Warriors take on the Sacramento Kings tonight at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Kings are struggling they’ve lost four of their last five games. They lost a frustrating home game at Golden One Center on Friday night to the Memphis Grizzlies 124-105 and their head coach Alvin Gentry and star player De’Aaron Fox were both out because of Covid 19 protocols. Barbara how do you see the Kings and Warriors match up tonight at 7pm?

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

Toronto out plays Golden State 119-110; Warriors rest starters

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Toronto Raptors’ Scottie Barnes, (4) take a leap against the Golden State Warriors defense at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sat Dec 18, 2021 (AP News photo)

Toronto Outplays Golden State 119-100

By Barbara Mason

Warriors rookie Jonathan Kuminga had a banner night against the Toronto Raptors shooting for 26 points.

The Golden State Warriors (24-6) took on the Toronto Raptors (14-16) at Scotiabank Arena Saturday night. The Warriors starters for the most part got the night off. The Raptors would not be seeing Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins or Jordan Poole in this game. It would not be even a contest as the Raptors would win easily 119-100.

The first quarter was all Raptors leading by the score of 31-18. Toronto led by 13 going into the second quarter and led by 63-42 at the half. The Warrior bench, playing the entire game, was working hard but the Raptors were having a great night playing some excellent ball.

The only starter on the floor was Kevon Looney. There were only nine players dressed for Golden State in this game. The star of the first half was rookie Jonathan Kuminga with 12 points.

The third quarter was more excellence by the Toronto Raptors winning every quarter so far in this game. Toronto’s VanVleet (27 pts), Barnes (21 pts), and Boucher (11 pts) were all over the Warriors bench in the quarter. This was some invaluable experience for the Golden State bench and some of these guys were coming through with flying colors.

After three quarters Kuminga had 21 points which led the team. He had a great shooting game but a disappointing stat in rebounds with only 1 and 6 turnovers something that he will be working hard to improve.

The Raptors finished the Warriors off in the fourth quarter. Golden State had a good quarter outscoring Toronto 31-23. We got to see the future Warriors especially Kuminga who finished with 26 points. It was a lot of fun watching him attack the rim and 4 of 6 from downtown.

“There’s a lot of tape for our young players to watch” said Warrior head coach Steve Kerr after the game. “I thought we played better in the second half and were more competitive” he said.

Monday night the Warriors will be back home taking on the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Warriors Survive the Celtics 111-107

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles past Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) at TD Garden in Boston on Fri Dec 17, 2021 (AP News photo)

Warriors Survive the Celtics 111-107

By Barbara Mason

Now that Stephen Curry has surpassed the record set by Ray Allen a huge weight has been lifted off his shoulders. He is now able to play relaxed and free with no pressure other then trying to win games. The team is now relaxed as well and after a few days off the Golden State Warriors (24-5) should be poised and ready to take on the Boston Celtics (14-15) tonight at TD Garden.

The first quarter saw a Golden State that was light on their feet and starting fast. The Warriors led 34-26 at the end of the quarter. The Celtics had a very slow start in this game. Curry starting hitting three’s and along with Andrew Wiggins the Warriors were starting this game with a very fast pace.

At the half the Warriors had extended their lead 68-54. The first quarter was all Steph while the second quarter belonged to Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins was four of six from downtown with 24 points and Curry was three of six with 20 points. Wiggins was close to shooting 50% from downtown.

Both of these teams are known for being second half teams as they went into the third quarter. It was a horrible start in the first four plus minutes for Golden State. The Warriors were 0 for 6 with one turnover and needed to get going.

They had really cooled down letting the Celtics get within six points. The Warriors timing was way off and they were having trouble handling the Celtics intensity. Boston is especially hot at home so Golden State had to show up in the second half.

The Celtics were shooting 43% on three’s something that’s very tough to handle unless it is contained. The Warriors only had four turnovers in the entire first half but racked up five in the first six minutes of the third quarter.

Golden State barely held onto the lead as the quarter came to an end 82-81. What was most surprising is the Warriors had only 14 points in the third quarter, their lowest of the season.

The Warriors came alive in the final minutes of the fourth quarter leading 105-95. The Celtics had mounted a ferocious charge taking a brief lead in the final quarter with Jayson Tatum leading the way.

Golden State still had a lot of work left to close this game out. With 34.7 left on the clock Steph hit a floater and the Warriors were a stop away from their 24th win. A great defensive possession and Golden State won the game 109-104

It wasn’t pretty at times but great at other times and it was enough for the win. Andre Iguodala was a huge factor off the bench with 12 points, in fact the entire bench was very effective. Curry finished with thirty points and Wiggins turned in 27 points for the hard fought win 111-107. Head Coach Steve Kerr had his 400th win.

The Celtics got some great work from Jayson Tatum with 27 points from Jaylen Brown with 20.

Tomorrow the Warriors are back at it taking on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.