Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) throws down against the Utah Jazz on Sat Jan 1, 2022 in Salt Lake City (AP News photo)
Warriors Reverse Third Quarter Meltdown To Beat Jazz 123-116
By Barbara Mason
Saturday night the Golden State Warriors (28-7) took on the Utah Jazz (26-10) to start off the New Year. This was the second year in a row that Golden State has played on New Years Day. They came into Utah from Denver where they were unable to play the Nuggets due to the inability of Denver to fill out an eight man roster. Golden State won this game 123-116 in a wild fourth quarter in which both teams played at a high level.
The Nuggets had a multitude of injuries coupled with players on covid protocol. The decision to postpone this game came very late in the day, a real frustration for Golden State.
After all the confusion in Denver the Warriors headed to Utah to take on a very tough Jazz team. The team has faced adversity before this season and would have to dig deep to get past Utah who was slightly favored in this game.
After one quarter Golden State led by the score of 29-24. They had shot 46% and came into this game playing fast and strong. It was a nice start for the Warriors, a team that is a third and fourth quarter team. As we have seen time and time again, every attempt was being made to take Stephen Curry out of the game.
Taking Curry out of any game is easier said than done and the Jazz found this out as the second quarter wore on. He will shoot over you and he will find a way to defeat any attempt to slow him down. The Warriors had a 13 point lead mid-way through the second quarter.
Having Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins back gave Golden State the increased depth that we are used to seeing. The offensive effort that we saw from the Warriors in the first half was the difference in this game so far.
The Jazz cut the 13 point lead to five as the quarter began to wind downs but Andrew Wiggins put a stop to Utah’s bid. He finished the half with 17 points. Otto Porter had an amazing half with 16 points, and with two quarters in the books the Warriors led 64-50.
Whatever was said in the Jazz locker room at the half it resonated because they came out on fire. They outscored the Warriors 41-22 in the third quarter The Jazz are the number one team in the league in third and fourth quarter scoring so Golden State had their work cut out for them in the final quarter.
The Warriors sure rallied in the fourth quarter in a masterful offensive display. Golden State held their ground offensively and defensively in the absence of Draymond Green.
Curry finished the game with 28 points, six from downtown. Wiggins had a great game with 25 points. He had eight points in a row in the final four minutes which reversed the course of this game. Otto Porter had 20 points so a great showing from the Warriors this evening. Jordan Poole and Andre Iguodala both had double digits off the bench. This was as impressive a win as I have seen all season from this team.
The Warriors will now head home for a game against the Heat at Chase. The tipoff Monday night is scheduled for 7:00PM.









