Category: NBA

An Evening To Remember at Chase; Thompson Back as Warriors handle Cavs 96-82

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, right, puts up a three pointer over Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lauri Markkanen (24) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Jan 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

An Evening To Remember at Chase Warriors Handle Cavs 96-82

By Barbara Mason

Sunday night fans got to celebrate the biggest game in Chase history. It seems as it we have been waiting a lifetime for the return of the Golden State Warriors (30-9) Klay Thompson. All the blood, sweat and tears that this guy has endured will come to fruition tonight. Win or lose, this game will be an unforgettable welcome home for the phenomenal Klay Thompson. The splash brothers are back!!! What a way to welcome them back as they earned a 96-82 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers (22-18)

“Tonight is about showing our appreciation for what he has had to go through individually and express our affection for him. In a lot of ways it will be a very difficult game to lock in and focus on. That’s the challenge for the group amidst all this emotion,” said Head coach Steve Kerr before the game.

The Warriors took on the Cleveland Cavaliers looking for number 30 of the season. The Warriors will have to focus with all the hoopla that will be going on but they will not be alone. The Cavaliers will also have to block out what will be the loudest crowd that they have ever encountered.

The Warriors will be looking for some better shooting from downtown. They have come off of two forgettable games this season, not only losing two in a row but also two tough games shooting seven of 33 against the Pelicans on Thursday night and five of 28 against Dallas on three’s.

At 11:13 in the first quarter we got to see Klay’s first NBA bucket in 2 1/2 years; a textbook floater in traffic. The Cavaliers will have the challenge of trying to contain both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. After eleven minutes it became clear that the three-point drought had come to an end as Curry started the game four for four from downtown. The Warriors led after one quarter 24-21.

At the half the Warriors continued to hold the lead 51-46. In the second quarter Thompson had his first dunk and his first three of the game. The Warriors were only shooting 37% but it was their defense that kept the score in favor of Golden State. Kevon Looney had 10 rebounds in the half and Porter had six for a great defensive effort. Curry finished the half with 18 points, the only Warrior in double digits.

The Cavaliers had managed to hang with the Warriors until the third quarter. Golden State came unleashed in the third and extended their lead to 79-60. Looney had an amazing 16 rebounds in the quarter close to his all-time high.

The Cavaliers made a nice bid cutting the Warriors 24 point lead to ten in the fourth quarter but it just wasn’t enough. The Warriors shooting had cooled off in the final quarter but picked back up in the closing minutes. The final was 96-82. .

What could be better than seeing Curry and Thompson together again? Why a win with Curry and Thompson playing their first game together and that’s exactly what they got, the first of many. Thompson was on fire with his signature snarl evident throughout the game.

He had 17 points in 20 minutes of play and didn’t look the least bit winded. Curry finished with 28 points. Looney was amazing breaking his previous rebound record clocking 18. The entire team had a great defensive showing which was needed since the team only shot 39%.

“I was nervous to start. I am so grateful for this fan base. There were four or five shots that I should have made but I’m just thankful to be out here,” said Thompson after the Game. “:I am excited for the future. I’m just happy.”

Next up for the Warriors will be the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Tipoff is schedule for 5:00 PM.

Big night by Simons helps Blazers down Kings 103-88

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Portland Trail Blazers guard Ben McLemore, right, and Sacramento Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton (left) go for the ball at the Moda Center in Portland on Sun Jan 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Sunday, January 9, 2022

Anfernee Simons poured in 31 points, Jusuf Nurkic nearly put together a triple-double, and the Portland Trail Blazers defeated Sacramento 103-88 Sunday night at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter in Portland.

It was the fourth straight loss for the Kings, while Portland snapped a two-game skid.
Nurkic scored 14 points, pulled down 16 rebounds and collected nine assists for the Trail Blazers. Nassir Little and Ben McLemore each added 13 points for Portland. Simons finished with seven 3-pointers.

Tyrese Haliburton led the Kings with 17 points and nine assists, followed by Alex Len with 16 points and 10 rebounds. De’Aaron Fox had 14 points, Harrison Barnes scored 13 and Buddy Hield scored 10 off the Sacramento bench.

The Trail Blazers never trailed in the contest. Simons, filling in for Damian Lillard, hit a 3-pointer at the 7-minute mark of the fourth quarter to give Portland a 90-70 lead, its biggest of the game.
Sacramento then went on a 10-2 run to pull within 92-80. Simons responded with another 3 to halt the Kings rally with 4:36 remaining.

Fox’s start was a game-time decision because he’s nursing a sore right shoulder. Maurice Harkness sat this game out due to a sore right ankle. Richaun Holmes and Damian Jones were absent from the Kings lineup due to health and safety protocols.

The Kings return home Monday to host Cleveland, the first game of a five-game homestand.

49ers overcome 17-point deficit and defeat Rams 27-24 in an overtime classic

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould (9) and Kyle Juszczyk (44) celebrate after Gould’s field goal in overtime to defeat the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sun Jan 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

LOS ANGELES — It was a Hollywood ending, but not for the team in the blue and yellow.

The San Francisco 49ers overcame a 14-3 halftime deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Rams 27-24 in overtime on Sunday afternoon at SoFi Stadium.

San Francisco finished 10-7 on the season clinched the sixth seed in the NFC. They will travel out to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in the wild card round of the playoffs. Los Angeles (12-5), despite the loss, finished first in the NFC West as the Arizona Cardinals lost to the Seattle Seahawks. They dropped to the fourth seed in the NFC and will host the Arizona Cardinals in the wild card round.

Los Angeles controlled the play in the first half. Their first two drives consumed over 15 minutes as quarterback Matthew Stafford methodically led his offense down the field with a nice balance where they were able to convert five of their first six third-down conversions.

Matt Gay capped a 12-play 61-yard drive with a 43 yard field goal.

On the Rams next possession Cooper Kupp set up Los Angeles inside the redzone with a 46-yard reception. Tyler Higbee scored a two-yard touchdown reception to give LA a 10-lead.

It was a rough start for the 49er’s offense and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the first half. Garoppolo had a fumble after a 14-yard sack (the Niners were able to recover the ball) and an interception as the Rams defense controlled the line of scrimmage.

San Francisco wasn’t able to get the running game going either as they ran for just 10 yards in the first half. Their special teams also performed poorly when they allowed a 31-yard punt return by Brandon Powell that set up the Rams in good field position.

Los Angeles took advantage of the punt return when Stafford found Higbee for his second touchdown of the game, a 15-yard leaping grab along the sidelines.

San Francisco gained momentum at the end of the first half when they went 61 yards on six plays on the final 38 seconds of the second quarter that resulted in a 42-yard field goal by Robbie Gould.

The 49ers came out with some mojo to start the second half. Garoppolo led them on a seven play 75-yard drive capped off with a 16-yard rushing touchdown by Deebo Samuel. It was the eighth rushing touchdown for Samuel this season for the hybrid wide receiver.

San Francisco’s defense dominated the second half as they forced four punts and a turnover. Emmanuel Moseley intercepted Stafford on Los Angeles’ second possession.

The 49ers ran the ball down the Rams’ throat as they tied it up at 17-17. 10 of the 11-play drive were runs as the offensive line controlled the trenches. San Francisco’s 11th play was a trick play that caught the Rams off guard. Samuel took a handoff and threw a 24-yard touchdown to Juaun Jennings who was left all alone down the right sideline.

San Francisco run for 125 of its 135 rushing yards in the second half.

Kupp was the catalyst when Los Angeles went up with 24-17 with 2:29 left in the fourth quarter. Kupp had a 30-yard reception to start the drive and ended it with a four-yard touchdown reception, his team leading 16th of the season.

San Francisco looked to have been done when Von Miller sacked Garopollo with two minutes remaining and forced the 49ers to punt.

However, the tenacious defense of San Francisco forced a three and out as the Niners used all their timeouts to get one more possession with 1:27 remaining.

Garopollo marched the 49ers down the field on a five-play 88-yard drive. He completed a 12-yard touchdown to Jennings with 26 seconds left to send the game to overtime.

The 49ers won the toss and drove 69 yards down the field on 12 plays the resulted in a Gould 24-yard field goal.

49ers rookie cornerback Aubrey Thomas sealed the deal when intercepted Stafford on a deep pass down the right sideline.

Garopollo finished 23 of 32 for 316 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and a QB rating of 87.5. Running back Elijah Mitchell ran an efficient 85 yards on 21 carries. Brandon Aiyuk led the 49ers in receiving with six catches for 107 yards. Jennings finished with six catches for 94 yards to go along with his two receiving touchdowns.

Stafford finished 21 of 32 for 238 yards with three touchdowns, two interceptions and a QB rating of 93.0. Kupp had another outstanding game as he led all receivers with seven catches for 118 yards and one touchdown. Sony Michell had just 43 yards on 21 carries.

San Francisco sacked Stafford five times to go along with their two interceptions.

GAME NOTES: San Francisco finished 9-for-14 on third down conversions. Los Angeles was 10-for-17.

San Francisco swept the season series and have won six in a row over their NFC West rival.

UP NEXT: San Francisco takes on the Dallas Cowboys from AT&T Stadium. Date and time TBD.

Denver Dominates Sacramento 121-111

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III, center, gets between Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, left, and center Nikola Jokic in an attempt to score at Ball Arena in Denver on Fri Jan 7, 2022 (AP News photo)

Denver Dominates Sacramento 121-111

By Barbara Mason

Struggles for the Sacramento Kings (16-25) continued against the Denver Nuggets (19-18). The team has struggled with the inability to finish games. They have squandered winnable games throughout the season and Friday night in Denver was no different as the Kings took a 121-111 loss to the Nuggets.

The first half was a tough one for the Kings as they took on the Nuggets. The Nuggets played both quarters at a nice pace, with great passing and a lot of patience. The entire team was playing in a near perfect rhythm which was trouble for the Kings. At the half the score was 66-54.

At one point in the half the Nuggets had 32 points in the paint while the Kings had 37 points total. At the half the Nuggets had the Kings number and there was nothing that Sacramento was able to do in the first two quarters to change the course of the first half.

Down by 20 points at one time in the first half, the Kings started to make a move in the third quarter. Sacramento got within four points of Denver but as has happened in the past, they let it slip away.

Every time that the Kings made a move, Denver had the answer. As the third quarter came to an end, the Nuggets led 96-85. Sacramento had far too many missed shots; misses from players that usually have a lot more success.

The Nuggets had a significant lead throughout most of this game. Denver had more fouls than the Kings by a couple, 20-18. The Kings had 46 rebounds to the Nuggets 41. The Kings had close third and fourth quarters winning both of them by a single points. It was the 12 point deficit at the half that determined the outcome of this game.

High score for the Kings was De’Aaron Fox with 30 and for the Nuggets Nicola Jokic had 33 points. Both teams had nice work off the bench, the Kings with 44 and the Nuggets with 42 points. Sacramento’s defensive woes continued in this game as well.

Sacramento will have a travel day tomorrow heading into Portland for a date with the Trail Blazers for Sun Jan 9th tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings need to defend against Jokic and Nuggets tonight

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) gets a pass away as Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) tries to get an arm in to defend the pass at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 5, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets tip off with the Sacramento Kings (18-17) tonight in Denver. The Kings are coming off a 108-102 loss to the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday night in Sacramento. The Kings have lost seven of their last nine games.

#2 More from Wednesday’s game the Hawks Kevin Huerter led with 25 points and in the last 38 seconds of the game Huerter scored five points the Hawks grabbed a six point win over the Kings.

#3 Huerter had 11 rebounds getting his first double double this year for the Kings. Huerter was a tough customer to shut down all Wednesday night.

#4 The Hawks were short players due to them being on the Covid 19 protocols list and the Kings were on back to back games. The Hawks executed enough on offense just to get over the top for the win.

#5 The Kings are in Denver tonight. The Nuggets lost their last game on Wednesday night to the Utah Jazz 115-109. The Nuggets have played .500 ball having won six out their last six games.

Join Jeremiah Salmonson for the Kings podcasts each Friday morning at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors Drop Second Game In a Row to Pelicans 101-96

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole lends a hand to guard Damion Lee in the first half of action against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans on Thu Jan 6, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Drop Second Game In a Row to Pelicans 101-96

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (29-9) are coming off of what is probably their worst game of the 2021-22 season. The entire roster struggled from the start of this game until the finish. It was just horrendous and it’s a game that was forgettable from the get go as the New Orleans Pelicans (14-25) defeated the Warriors 101-96.

Thursday night the team took on the Pelicans without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The Warriors are more than capable of winning this game without Curry and Green. Curry was resting a left quad injury and Green his sore hip.

The starting lineup for the game is notable with Otto Porter, Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II and Jordan Poole. On top of that the Warriors have an amazing bench with Andre Iguodala, Jonathan Kuminga, Damian Lee and Nemanja Bjelica.

Tonight’s roster is more than enough to get past the Pelicans after the fluke of a game we saw last night. Here’s hoping that the disaster we saw in Dallas was the last of it’s kind this season.

The Warriors got on track as the first quarter reached the mid-way point and Golden State had a 22-16 lead at quarters end. In the second quarter, it looked like Golden State was working well together and having a lot of fun and a lot of success until the final four minutes of the half.

The Pelicans really turned on their offense with Brandon Ingram unable to miss finishing with 19 points. New Orleans was getting the ball to Ingram every chance they got. The Pelicans took the lead as the second quarter came to an end 47-46.

The Warriors were having a very good defensive game with Porter, Looney, Moody and Kuminga accounting for 18 of their 23 rebounds. Both teams were shooting 44% in the first half. Wiggins had 11 points in the first half with the remainder of the starters only hitting seven points combined. The Warriors needed a lot more offense from a lot more players in the second half and they needed to shut Ingram down.

Five minutes into the third quarter Golden State took back the lead after trailing by six points 57-56. They got back in front from the free throw line. The lead was short-lived by the Warriors and the Pelicans led by 75-72 after three quarters. In the third quarter it was Andrew Wiggins and Damien Lee who were keeping Golden State in this game.

The Pelicans continued to dominate in the fourth quarter and led 90-82 with three minutes left in the game. Much as in the last game, the Warriors offense was killing them. Another subpar team was beating Golden State. The Warriors were 5 of 30 from downtown, not a winning formula. The only way to describe this game by the Warriors was an offensive power outage two games in a row.

The Warriors got something going but it was too little too late with less than a minute left in the game. New Orleans came away with the win 101-96 in another shocker. This is the first time this season that the lost Warriors two games in a row.

Mama said there’d be days like this and for the Warriors two days in a row like this. They now have two days off in a row to watch film and relax before they get back to work on Sunday.

The game that everyone has been anticipating for weeks now will be played on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. There will be a lengthy practice on Saturday and supposedly it will be after that practice that the starting roster will be determined. The Warriors will just have to wait and see how that roster looks on Sunday. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM

Warriors Offense Falls Short in Loss to Dallas 99-82

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry who desperately was reaching out for the ball was held to only 14 points against the Dallas Mavericks on Wed Jan 5, 2022 in Dallas (AP News photo)

Warriors Offense Falls Short in Loss to Dallas 99-82

By Barbara Mason

While it is near to impossible to ignore the excitement that is brewing in the land of the Warriors there are still two important games that have to be focused on right now. First up for Golden State (29-8) is the Dallas Mavericks (2-18). The major challenge for Golden State in this game would be the huge presence of Luca Doncic. The Warriors failed that challenge and took a 99-82 loss in Dallas on Wednesday night.

The first quarter of this game was about as tight a game as you could wish for as well as fairly low scoring; tied at 21. The second quarter began as much as the first had ended. The teams would trade baskets and remain within a point or two of each other until the final four minutes of the half. The Mavericks got their offense going and put a number of stops on the Warriors. At the half Dallas held a 50-39 lead.

The only player on the floor with double digits in the the first half was Luca Doncic with 15 points. The high score for the Warriors was Damien Lee with seven points off the bench.

This was a very ugly start for Golden State with ten turnovers and 1 of 15 from downtown. Doncic was able to do as he pleased in the first half. The Warriors would have to contain this guy in the second half and not let him dictate the game.

It was a sight for sore eyes when Stephen Curry opened the third quarter with a three. The Warriors came out with some much needed energy in the quarter. The Warriors had mounted a 19-3 run through the first ten minutes of play in the third. The Warriors had built a slim lead with four minutes left in the quarter 63-61. Although the Warriors outscored the Mavericks 28-20 in the third quarter they still trailed 70-67.

The Warriors would need all onboard in the fourth quarter to win this game and with four minutes left they were not getting it done. Golden State was holding the Mavericks to 36% shooting so the defense was getting the job done; it was the offense for the Warriors that was falling flat on their face.

This was probably one of the worst offensive showings of the season for Golden State. They couldn’t buy a basket despite getting a lot of good looks. Andrew Wiggins finished with 17 points and Curry with 14. This was just one of those nights when the entire team was off.

The team will now head to the Big Easy for a meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Huerter puts the hurt on Kings leads Hawks with 25 points in 108-102 win over Kings

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Atlanta Hawks guard Kevin Huerter (3) is blocked by Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield (24), Huerter went on to lead the Hawks with 25 points at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 5, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–Tuesday review:The Sacramento Kings (16-24) were back in action on Wednesday evening in Sacramento. The Kings took a brief trip away from Golden One Center to play the Lakers in Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The Kings played hard against the Lakers, but ultimately, an unfortunate clock malfunction and error by De’Aaron Fox along with typical Lebron James scoring did in the Kings 122-114 on Tuesday night.

Wednesday night recap: On Wednesday, the Kings welcomed the Atlanta Hawks (17-20) to Golden One Center. The Kings fell to the Hawks 108-102 on Wednesday night at Golden One Center.

In the first quarter, the game was off to a slow start. The Kings and the Hawks were coming off a game the night before. The Kings played the night before in Los Angeles, and it showed in the first quarter.

The Kings defense looked tired as they were outscored by the Hawks 33-24 in the first quarter of action. The Hawks offense looked like it was firing on all cylinders, and the defense didn’t look bad either. The Kings would need to ramp up the intensity in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings defense did a better containing the Hawks offense. The Kings held the Hawks to only 21 points in the second quarter. Unfortunately, the Kings couldn’t pick it up on the offensive end.

The Kings also scored 21 points in the second quarter to match the Hawks. The Kings were led in the first half by Buddy Hield, who scored 11 points. The Hawks were led in the first half by Delon right, who scored 11 points. The Kings would take a 54-45 deficit into the second half, looking to turn the tide in the third quarter.

In the third quarter, the Kings played their best quarter of the game. The Kings outscored the Hawks 30-24 as the Kings improved on the offensive end. Typically, the Kings collapse in the third quarter, but this one was different. The Kings showed an encouraging poise to cut into the deficit. Could the Kings complete the comeback in the final quarter? The Kings went into the fourth quarter down 78-75.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings played hard but ultimately fell short against the Hawks. Atlanta outscored the Kings 30-27 in the final quarter, and it was too much for the Kings to overcome. As a result, the Kings fell to the Hawks 108-102. The Kings as a unit struggled to score on Wednesday night. The best performances came from De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, who scored 30 and 24, respectively.

Buddy Hield scored 11 points on the night, but those all came in the first half; he went scoreless in the second half. Kevin Huerter led the way for the Hawks as he scored 25 points on the night. It was a disappointing loss for the Kings since they faced an undermanned Atlanta Hawks team. The Kings fell to 16-24, and the Hawks improved to 17-20 on the season.

Up Next: The Kings will travel to Denver to take on the Nuggets on Friday at 6 PM PST.

Fourth Quarter Comeback Beats Sacramento, Lakers defeat Kings 122-114

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Forward LeBron James (6) of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a fade away shot against the Sacramento Kings forward Maurice Harkless (8) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Tue Jan 4, 2022 (AP News photo)

Fourth Quarter Comeback Beats Sacramento, Lakers defeat Kings122-114

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings played a tight game coming up short as the clock ran out. Despite the loss the Kings had some great play by Fox, Hield and Barnes.

Tuesday night the Sacramento Kings (16-23) traveled down south to take on the Los Angeles Lakers (20-19) at Crypto.com Arena. While the Lakers are favored in this matchup, the Kings are coming off a nice win over the Miami Heat last Sunday. The Lakers wound up with the win the final was 122-114 in Los Angeles.

The Kings have had their ups and downs all season but the win over the Heat could really go far in the confidence department for the team. They could really use a generous dose of confidence having lost their last four road games.

The Kings will be leaning heavily on DeA’aron Fox, Harrison Barnes, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Jones and Marvin Bagley along with bench standout Buddy Hield who had 26 against the Heat. This is an extremely talented roster that just has had a tough time this year.

Sacramento had a nice start in the first quarter of this game leading 31-26. The Lakers came back from their slow start in the first quarter to take the lead in the second quarter. The Kings refused to go away and at halftime had fought their way into the lead 59-57.

It was a wild back and forth game through the third quarter. The Lakers held a slim 85-83 lead going into the final quarter. Fox and Hield had been great for Sacramento in fact giving them a real chance to win this game.

The Kings had the lead going into the final four minutes of this game. The Lakers and the Kings began to trade shots in this see-saw game. Lebron James really got the Lakers going in the final two minutes dropping a couple of baskets and giving his team a 118-112 lead with 51 ticks left on the clock. LeBron finished as the top scorer of the game with 31 points.

It was a tough loss for the Kings after having led for much of the game. Fox finished with 30 points and off the bench Hield had 26. The Kings just were not able to close out this game.

Friday night the Kings will take on the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Tipoff is at 6:00 PM PT

Poole Leads Warriors To Win Over Heat 115-108

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Jan 3, 2022 (AP News photo)

Poole Leads Warriors To Win Over Heat 115-108

By Barbara Mason

Just when we were all wondering when we would see Draymond Green back in the lineup, we got our answer Monday night when the Warriors (29-7) took on the Miami Heat (23-15). The Warriors would need him against a very tough Miami team .The Warriors would overcome, the final was 115-108.

Golden State would play a near perfect first quarter leading 33-25. They had shot 57% and had six from downtown. In the second quarter the Warriors led by as much as 13 points but the Heat would dissolve that lead and tie up the game mid-way through the quarter. Miami had scored nine unanswered points. After two quarters the Warriors took back the lead 59-54 at halftime.

Green was spectacular in the half with 10 assists. Andrew Wiggins led the pack with 16 points followed by Jordan Poole with 14 points. Golden State had 8 shots from downtown and only had four turnovers.

The Heat had a bit of a issue in the first quarter on defense. The most pressing issue for Miami were the turnovers which the Warriors took full advantage of. Some were uncharacteristic while some were due to the Warriors defense.

This is what hurt the Heat the most. What had kept them in this game was the play of Jimmy Butler who scored 12 points and Kyle Lowry with 11 points. The three point shooting really got on track for Miami in the second quarter. The Heat are also short-handed as are many teams across the league. They have five out with injury and five out on Covid protocol.

The Warriors would have a lot of work to do in the second half. As the third quarter began to wind down the Heat had a terrible loss as Jimmy Butler rolled his right ankle and was helped to the Miami locker room.

Butler was a huge part of keeping the Heat in this game and had shot 22 points just prior to his injury. After three quarters the Warriors led 89-82. With the Warriors doing so much so well it was a testament to the great play by the Heat to even stay close.

With 5:36 remaining in the fourth quarter the Warriors were holding onto a 106-100 lead trying to put away the Heat who had been stubborn all quarter in the absence of Butler and refused to go away. In the final four minutes of this game the Warriors kept coming up with stop after stop while the Golden State offense had come unglued. Poole had an amazing run with 32 points as they completely closed out the Heat.

The Warriors really cashed in by using Stephen Curry as a decoy in this game. Golden State has plenty of power when it comes to shooting from downtown so this strategy worked out well for the Warriors. The defense led by Green was superior and the offensive play of the Warriors was amazing. Poole with 32 points, Wiggins with 22, and Payton with 14 led the team.

The Warriors will be taking on the New Orleans Pelicans Thursday at Smoothie King Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.