Category: NBA

Kings Dismantled By Rockets 107-89; Sacramento and Houston match up for game 2 Monday night at the Toyota Center

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The Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (left) drives on the Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (right) at the Toyota Center in Houston in game 1 of the two game series on Sat Nov 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings had an opportunity in the second and third quarters of Saturday nights game despite the absence of De’Aaron Fox still out with an ankle injury. In fact they were down by three points mid-way through the fourth quarter. They were unable to contain the Rockets Dillon Brooks, in the later minutes of the final quarter, who sailed through the fourth quarter scoring 12 points beating the Kings 107-89.

Saturday night the Sacramento Kings (2-3) took on the Houston Rockets (2-3) at Toyota Center. The Kings played without their star Fox who was ruled out for a second game in a row with a moderate right ankle sprain. The injury occurred in the overtime win last Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers. It doesn’t stop there, the Kings is also without Trey Lyles. Lyles has not yet made his regular season debut after suffering a left calf strain in the preseason.

Playing without Fox made it difficult and the starting lineup had to step up in his absence. They certainly did exactly that in their last game against the Golden State Warriors losing in the final 0.2 seconds of the game by a single point 102-101.

Game recap: The Rockets smothered the Kings in the first 12 minutes of play 33-19. Sacramento did win the second quarter but still trailed at the half 59-53. The Kings did cut their deficit but still had some ground to make up.

Sacramento continued their bid in the third quarter winning it 15-12 and only trailed by three points going into the fourth quarter 71-68. The Rockets Dillon Brooks had an amazing fourth quarter as Houston beat the Kings badly in the final quarter 36-21 winning the game 107-89.

This was a real disappointment for Sacramento. They have had a very lukewarm start this season. They had a lot of trouble containing Brooks in this game who finished with 26 points, 12 of them coming in the fourth quarter. The Kings did pull to within three points with 8 1/2 minutes remaining when Malik Monk hit a shot from downtown. It was at this point that the Rockets went on a 10-2 run and they never looked back.

Monk finished with the high for the team with 18 points off the bench. The only starters who had double digits were Domantas Sabonis who had a double double with 11 points and 15 rebounds and Harrison Barnes who finished with 13 points. Keegan Murray, Davion Mitchell and Kevin Huerter had a very quiet night.

The Kings will get another shot at the Rockets hoping to even the score on Monday night with tipoff scheduled for 5:00 PM PST at the Toyota Center in Houston. This will be game 2 of this two game series.

Warriors Win Another Last Second Game Against Thunder 141-139

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Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) passes the ball past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (left) at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Fri Nov 3, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

In a second wild finish in as many nights, the Golden State Warriors won their fifth road game in a row 141-139 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Last Wednesday it was Klay Thompson who hit the winning shot and tonight it was Stephen Curry making a driving layup who closed this game out. Both of them hit those shots with next to nothing on the game clock.

After winning a thriller Wednesday night beating the Sacramento Kings 102-101 the Golden State Warriors (5-1) took on the Thunder (3-3) Friday night in another road game. Thompson was the hero in the game against the Kings hitting the winning shot with 0.2 seconds left on the clock and this starting roster will be looking for a fast start in this road game. They’re road record continues to be unblemished having won every away game so far this season, five in total.

Game recap: The Warriors took the lead after the opening quarter 38-33 but the Thunder came roaring back winning the second quarter 34-31. Despite winning the quarter, the Thunder trailed Golden State 69-67 as this game went into halftime. OKC continued to hang around as this game went on playing with tenacity and drive. Both teams were having incredible offensive games.

This was a crazy game from the very beginning. The Thunder brought their A-game knowing full well that they would have to if they wanted to get past Golden State. Despite the Warriors shooting at 55% going into the fourth quarter the Thunder did them one better shooting at close to 62%. The Warriors were shooting from downtown at 47% but again the Thunder were better shooting 53%. OKC won the third quarter 39-37 and after three this game was all tied up at 106.

Both teams were playing a great game and with five minutes left in the fourth quarter the Warriors trailed 129-127. Golden State continued to hang around in the quarter staying close. The Warriors excel at closing out games in the final minutes of games but the Thunder were playing some amazing offense.

This game was going down to the wire as the Thunder continued to press Golden State and the game was a long way from being done. Could there be another last second win for Golden State in this game?

With under three minutes left in the game again it was Thompson to the rescue hitting a three and tying up the game at 133. This game was far from decided with 2:09 on the clock and the Thunder holding a slim 134-133 lead.

Every possession for the rest of the game was critical for both teams with 1:41 left. Head Coach Steve Kerr challenged a call in the closing minutes which failed. Not long after, there was another review which went the Warriors way.

This game had entered the realm of officially crazy. There was less than a minute left in the game and OKC had a 136-135 lead. Thompson was fouled and going to the line he hit both free throws giving Golden State the lead 137-136 in another nail-biter.

Another challenge from Golden State failed with 32.5 ticks on the clock. This game had come down to the final 21 seconds and it was still anybody’s game with the shot clock turned off. There were 16 seconds left in regulation and this game was tied at 139. Golden State had possession and 16 seconds is more than enough time for Golden State to nail this game down.

With Draymond Green touching the rim on a Curry shot, the winning shot was nullified or was it? While Green did touch the rim, the Thunder’s Josh Giddey grabbed the net and the shot was called good for a 141-139 win as the clock ran out on OKC.

The Warriors had their fifth road win in a row keeping their record unblemished. For a second game in a row the Warriors exhibited a championship finish.

This game went down to the wire with two teams that put forth terrific offensive effort. Curry finished with 28 points and hit the game winning shot. Dario Saric had the high off the bench with 20 points.

The Thunder had the Warriors on the ropes for the entire second half until the final 16 seconds of play but came up short. Every OKC starter finished with double digits, and Loguentz Dort had the high for the entire game with 29 points.

Golden State continues on this road trip looking for their sixth road win of the season traveling to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse this Sunday. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings and Warriors have seen each other 11 times out of their last 17 games

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Sacramento Kings guard Colby Jones (right) drives on Golden State Warriors forward Dario Saric (left) and forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Thu Nov 3 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings have met 11 times including pre season games in their last 17 meetings. That gives them enough time to know each other.

#2 Jeremiah Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said that amount of meetings has to be an NBA record. It gave each team familiarity resulting in a one point win for Golden State on Wednesday night at Chase Center 102-101.

#3 Golden State’s Klay Thompson hit a 17 foot shot with less than a second remaining to win the game. Jeremiah talk about that shot by Thompson it was a tough loss for the Kings as they played their hearts out as described by Kings head coach Mike Brown.

#4 Jeremiah, with the lose the Kings drop to 2-2 getting great offensive production from Domantas Sobonis who led Sacramento with 23 points. Sobonis has been a difference for the Kings in crucial games.

#5 Kings will go back to the drawing board and face the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center in Houston on Sat Nov 4 which will be the first of a two game series the other game on Mon Nov 6. The Rockets won their last game defeating the Charlotte Hornets 128-119.

Join Jeremiah Salmonson for the Kings podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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.

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Golden State Slips Past Sacramento in Thriller 102-101

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Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray right tries to protect the basketball while Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry tries to reach up for the ball at Chase Center San Francisco on Wed Nov 1, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

In the closest game the Sacramento Kings have seen this season the Golden State Warriors battled past the Kings 102-101 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. This game was tight from start to finish and in the end it was Klay Thompson with the ultimate clutch shot that won it for the Warriors. Both teams had better offensive and defensive effort in the second half but when push came to shove it was Golden State that prevailed. With less than a second left on the clock Thompson hit pay dirt.

Wednesday night the Golden State Warriors (4-1) were back home at Chase taking on the Sacramento Kings (2-2). The Warriors beat the Kings up in Sacramento less than a week ago 122-114. Both of these teams were in last year’s post-season and will likely repeat in the 2023-24 season. This will be yet another battle between these two northern California teams.

The Kings led after the first quarter 31-28. The Warriors took charge in the second quarter winning it 28-24 and taking a 56-55 lead into the locker room at the half. The defensive pressure from Golden State was lacking in the first half but the Warriors have always been a second half team. They would be looking to tighten up their defense going into the third quarter.

The Kings continued to take charge in the third quarter at one time leading by 11 points 69-58. The slow start the Warriors had in the quarter came to end when they went on a 13-3 run. At one point the Kings had outscored them 14-4 but as the quarter came to an end the Kings continued to lead 79-74 but Golden State had whittled down their lead.

There had been no true separation in this game simply because of how well these two teams know each other and how well these two coaches know each other as well.

The fourth quarter began to reveal a lot of King’s mistakes with missed shots and turnovers coupled with some terrific defense by Golden State. Golden State guard Curry started to hit some of those shots from downtown as we see so often in the second half of games.

The Warriors took the lead in the early minutes of the final quarter but this game remained tight. With seven minutes left in the game head coach Steve Kerr put Curry and Draymond Green, their elite closers, on the court.

At 6:46 left in the game it was all tied up at 83. This game would go back and forth still tied with five minutes left on the clock. Sacramento double teamed Curry for the remainder of the quarter, not unexpected, and something that Curry sees in most every game.

Despite that Curry has an uncanny way of working around opponents defense and scoring anyway. Kevon Looney made some great clean up shots giving the Warriors a one shot lead 92-89 with 3:33 left to play. At 2:53 it was anybody’s game with the Kings up one 93-92. Everyone of the Sacramento’s starters were in double digits.

This game could not have been tighter with the two teams trading the lead throughout. With forty seconds left in the game the Warriors could not make a single mistake trailing 99-98. This had been the closest game either of these two teams had played so far this season.

This time it was not Curry to the rescue it was Thompson who shot over Davion Mitchell to take a 102-101 lead with 0.2 on the clock and that would be the final. Golden State had improved to 4-1 as they head back out on the road to take on the Thunder.

The bench had come into this game giving the Warriors some good minutes but it was Klay Thompson who had a great shooting night in the second half. He finished with 14 points but it was the last shot that he took that made all the difference in this game.

Curry had the team high 21 points. The Warriors continue to struggle with turnovers committing 18 in the game. It may not have been a pretty game but the final score was a beauty.

The Kings played a terrific offensive and defensive game and they might have found a way to win if they had not been without their superstar De’Aaron Fox. Every starter had double digits for Sacramento as they will now head to Houston for a game with the Rockets.

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

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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

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Fox leads Kings with 41 points in 132-127 win over Lakers

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The Sacramento Kings center JaVale McGee (00) slam dunks on the Los Angeles Lakers forward LaBron James (23) at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Oct 29, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday night in Sacramento. The Kings last played on Friday night in the home opener against Golden State Warriors. The Warriors came into Golden One Center and spoiled the home opener for the Kings. The Warriors beat the Kings 122-114. On Sunday, the Kings welcomed the LA Lakers to Golden One Center. The Kings (1-1) were set to take on the Lakers (1-1) at 7 PM PST in Sacramento. Sacramento bested the Lakers on Sunday 132-127.

In the first quarter, the Kings got off to a hot start. The Kings played really well in the first quarter en route to building a sizeable 13-point lead by the quarter’s conclusion. The Kings offense, led by De’Aaron Fox, scored 41 points in the first quarter of the game. Fox scored ten points in the quarter as Domas Sobonis added seven points. The Lakers scored 28 points in the quarter. The Kings would look to keep up the intensity in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings lead slowly evaporated. The Kings shots were not falling at the same rate as the first quarter. The Kings 13 point lead going into the quarter was cut down to five points. However, the Kings were able to build the lead back up to 11 by the end of the quarter thanks to a Fox three-pointer.

You could see as the quarter progressed that Mike Brown was visibly getting more frustrated on the sideline. I’m sure he had words with the team and the inconsistency in the second quarter at halftime. The Kings led at halftime 66-55.

In the third quarter, the Kings again lost their cushion early in the quarter. The Lakers stormed back to come within a point of the lead. How did the Kings respond?

The Kings battled but could not build the lead back up by the end of the quarter. The Kings were outscored by the Lakers 28-21 in the third quarter to cut the lead going into the final 12 minutes to 87-83. The game would come down to the final quarter and if the Kings could bear down on defense.

In the final quarter, the Kings continued to falter. The Lakers kept the pressure on the Kings. The Lakers had built themselves a five-point lead just a few minutes in the fourth quarter. Fox had a scare on a no-call foul while driving to the basket.

Fox was taken to the locker room for a quick evaluation of the ankle and later returned to a standing ovation. The Kings would battle and the game would come down to a last few shots. Unfortunately for the Kings, Keegan Murray missed a game winning three to send the game to overtime at 115-115.

In overtime, the Kings were down Sobonis who fouled out and Fox was playing but hobbling. However, Fox would come out after just a couple plays into overtime. The Kings would come out victorious in overtime winning the game.

The scored 17 points in the period compared to the Lakers 12. Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk both hit big shots down the stretch to seal the deal. Fox finished the game leading the Kings with 37 points. Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 30.

Up Next: The Kings will travel to San Francisco to take on the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday at 7 PM PST.

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.