Tag: Phoenix Suns

Damian Lillard and the Bucks Crush Kings Bid In Overtime 143-142

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Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown (center) is held back Molik Monk (right) after being thrown out of the game for arguing non foul calls by the officials when De’Aaron Fox got roughed up by the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Sun Jan 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (23-15) came so very close to finally beating the Milwaukee Bucks (27-12) in overtime. With five ticks left on the clock, Damian Lillard launched a 32 foot buzzer beater for a 143-142 win over the Kings. It was a heartbreaker for Sacramento who had taken a 141-137 lead with 17 seconds left in the game.

Game recap: The Kings had a 37-32 lead after the first 12 minutes of play but the Bucks made their presence known winning the second quarter 36-29 taking a 68-66 lead into the locker room at the half. 

Keegan Murray had a very quiet first half with only four points and Harrison Barnes with seven. The Kings would need a whole lot more from their starters as well as their bench in the second half. The Kings were taking care of the ball with only two turnovers but just needed more success from the field. They also wanted to defend without fouling in the second half of this game.

After three quarters, the Bucks held onto the lead 95-91. It all came down to the fourth quarter. This game became even more physical as the fourth quarter wore on. Kings head coach Mike Brown was ejected from the game when excessive physicality on De’Aaron Fox went unnoticed by the referees. 

Brown came onto the court in a rage which sent him to the locker room. This game went down to the wire as the Kings fought from behind throughout the entire quarter. As time expired the game was tied at 128 and went into overtime.

With 2:57 left in overtime the Kings had taken a 134-128 lead. With under two minutes this game was tied again at 134. With 1:18 left in the game the Kings led 141-137. The Bucks Brook Lopez hit a three and with 9.3 left on the clock Sacramento led by a single point 141-140 with possession. 

Fox drew the foul missing his first and making the second giving Sacramento the lead 142-140 with five ticks left on the clock. Milwaukee was not finished by a long shot and with the ball in Lillard’s hands the Kings could do nothing but watch a 32-point buzzer beater swish losing the game in a heartbreaker 143-142.

Sacramento lost this game at the line. Two turnovers and two missed free throws in overtime were the turning point for the Kings. It was a heartbreaker for the team after having played a heck of a game against one of the best in the NBA.

Fox finished with 32 points. What a disappointment for Fox who turned the ball over twice in the overtime. Malik Monk had 28 points off the bench. This was an exceptional showing for the team, they just came up a few points short.

The three’s were flying in this game. The Bucks shot 20 including the dagger and the Kings had 17 in a beautiful offensive display from both teams. Both teams shot at 52% from the field. Sacramento only had nine turnovers in the game. Lillard had the high for the Bucks with 29.

Post game notes: Sunday evening the Kings took on the Bucks at Fiserv Forum. This game challenged the Kings who came into this game after a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night 112-93 after a real lackluster offensive effort. 

The Bucks are playing lights out basketball after blowing out the first place Boston Celtics last Thursday night. Saturday night the Bucks beat the Golden State Warriors in a game that was very close through three quarters. Milwaukee took over in the fourth quarter finishing off the Warriors. 

Sunday night the Kings couldn’t crack the Bucks defensive code and they needed a strong offensive effort in overtime and they did their best to contain Giannis Antetokounmpo a huge challenge in itself.

The Kings continue their road trip traveling to Phoenix to take on the Suns. After losing to the Bucks, the Kings will be looking to get back on track after dropping two games in a row. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for Tuesday at 6:00 PM.

 

De’Aaron Fox breaks Kings’ assists record in 120-105 win over Suns

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The Phoenix Suns guard Seben Lee (38) blocks a Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (5) shot in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

Friday, Dec. 22, 2023

Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California

Phoenix Suns 105 (14-14)

Sacramento Kings 120 (17-10)

By Stephen Ruderman

SACRAMENTO–De’Aaron Fox scored 23 points, and broke the Kings’ all-time assist record, as he led the way in Sacramento’s 120-105 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Coming off a loss Wednesday night to the Boston Celtics, the Kings were looking to bounce back against the Suns in the fifth game of their six-game homestand. It was a lively Friday night crowd at the Golden 1 Center, as the fans cheered on the Kings, and loudly booed the Suns, as they took the court.

The Suns won the opening tip, and got on the board right away, as Devin Booker alley-ooped to Drew Eubanks, who dunked it in to put Phoenix up 2-0. Domantas Sabonis responded with a pair of dunks to put the Kings up 4-2.

Grayson Allen hit a three-ball for the Suns to put Phoenix up 5-5, but that would prove to be their final lead of the night. The Kings maintained a steady lead throughout the remainder of the first quarter, but never led by more than nine points. The Kings would start to pull away a bit, but each time, the Suns would get back in it

Towards the end of the first quarter, the officials contacted the Replay Command Center, and even though the clock said there was a minute and 14 seconds remaining, it was determined that there were only 21 seconds remaining. The quarter, which was sarcastically described by Kings Public Address Announcer Scott Moak as the “longest quarter in NBA History,” ended with the Kings up 35-30.

The second quarter went mostly the same as the first. Sasha Vezenkov started the quarter with a three, and Fox followed it up with a jumper to put the Kings ahead 40-30. The Kings’ lead never fell below seven for the first half of the second quarter, but there was plenty of drama.

Following a dunk by Adoka Azubuike of the Suns with 6:47 remaining to make the score 47-40, Kevin Durant was called for a technical foul, and Booker was hit with a tech of his own as he argued Durant’s foul. Harrison Barnes shot both free throws from Sacramento, and hit them both.

Durant laid one in with 4:25 remaining to cut the Kings’ lead to 51-46, but from there, the Kings began to pull away, as they closed out the second quarter with a 14-8 run.

Suns Head Coach Frank Vogel was hit with the Suns’ third technical foul of the quarter after Durant was called for a backcourt violation with 18 seconds remaining. Durant was arguing as well, and had to be pulled away to prevent his second technical foul, which would have resulted in his ejection.

The Kings went into the half up 65-54, and then they hit the ground running in the third quarter, as they went on a 31-13 run to take a 96-67 lead with 5:54 remaining. During that run, Fox recorded his 1,581st-career assist to become the Kings’ all-time assists leader.

However, the Suns didn’t go down quietly, as they went on a 17-4 run to close the gap to 100-84. Barnes hit a fadeaway jumper, and hit a free throw after he was fouled on the play, and the Kings went into the fourth quarter up 103-84.

Despite the brief reprieve, the Suns kept their momentum going into the fourth quarter. Saben Lee laid one in, and Booker hit a jumper to cut the score to 103-88.

The Kings then regained control, as the teams traded points throughout the fourth quarter, and the Kings easily won by a final of 120-105.

Despite Fox’s strong performance and historic night, Domantas Sabonis led the Kings tonight with 28 points. Keegan Murray scored 21 points.

The Kings improve to 17-10, and they will welcome in the Minnesota Timberwolves to close out the homestand for a 7:00 tip Saturday night.

Green just can’t stay out of trouble; Faces second suspension and is out indefinitely over Nurkic punch

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Golden State Warriors guard Draymond Green (23) asks the official “who me” when hit with a flagrant 2 foul call after hitting Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (on floor face down) in the face at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Tue Dec 12, 2023 (USA Today photo)

By Barbara Mason and Jerry Feitelberg

The NBA has indefinitely suspended Golden State Warrior guard Draymond Green for his spinning punch to Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic on Tuesday night. Green was trying to get open on an inbound play when he spun around and hit Nurkic. Nurkic was behind Green and landed a punch to his face that landed him on the ground. Green was immediately ejected for a flagrant 2 foul.

This was Green’s third ejection of this season and his second suspension. His first suspension came when he had his hand and arm around the neck in a headlock of the Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert on Nov 14th which earned him a five game suspension.

Green said at the time of the first suspension that he had no regrets “I’ll come to a teammate’s defense any time that I’m in a position to come to a teammate’s defense. What matters to me is how the people that I care about feel, first and foremost.”

On this second suspension during the post game presser at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Tuesday Green apologized and said unlike previous suspensions and altercations he admitted making a mistake. He explained “I thought he was pulling my hip, and I was swinging a way to sell the call, and [I] made contact with him,” Green said. “As you know, I’m not one to apologize for things I meant to do, but I do apologize to Jusuf (Nurkic) because I didn’t intend to hit him.”

Accident or no accident Green will be suspended indefinitely pending his meeting with the NBA. Green is meeting with Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy to discuss the suspension. Nurkic was questioning what is wrong with Green and that he needs some kind of help. “What’s going on with him? I don’t know. Personally, I feel like that brother needs help,” Nurkic said. “I’m glad he didn’t try to choke me. At the same time, it ain’t nothing to do with basketball.”

Barbara Mason and Jerry Feitelberg are Golden State Warriors beat writers for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors Lose to Phoenix Suns in Final Minute 119-116; Golden State loses six of last ten games

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Golden State Warriors guard Draymond Green (23) hits the Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (28) in the face leading to Green’s ejection for a flagrant 2 foul. Green spun around and hit Nurkic in the face knocking Nurkic to the floor. (Larry Brown Sports till photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Phoenix Suns (13-10) beat the Golden State Warriors (10-13) for the third time this season 119-116. The starters for the Warriors gave Stephen Curry no help at all. Draymond Green was once again ejected and the team had to carry on without him. As in their last game, they had a chance to tie up this game and failed. The Warrior bench and Curry were the only positives coming out of this game. 

Game recap: While the Warriors did not have a great start in the first quarter of the game, they did have a good finish. After the first 12 minutes of play this game was tied at 25. Bradley Beal was back in the lineup for the Suns and hit a three in his first possession. He only played six minutes in the quarter. The Warriors protected the ball well in the first quarter with only four turnovers so some nice improvement protecting the ball.

The Warriors started rolling in the second quarter hitting shot after shot building a 40-27 lead at 7:53. They let the game turn around for the Suns with under four minutes left in the quarter. Phoenix had battled back going on a 16 to 5 run and trailed by two points 45-43.

 The Warriors had let the Suns back into the game and given up a sizable lead. With under two minutes left in the half the game was tied at 50. This game could not have been closer with Golden State holding a 56-53 lead after two quarters.

Curry had scored 16 points for Golden State and Devon Booker was the high for the Suns with 13 points. This game had started out fairly sloppy for both teams but picked up in the second quarter. Both teams had six turnovers in the first half of play.

With 8:23 left on the clock in the third quarter Green was charged with a flagrant 2 and ejected from the game. He used excessive force on Jusef Nurkic smacking him in the face and the saga continues as Green left the floor. So once again the Warriors would have to play without the defense that Green provides.

With 4:56 left in the third quarter this game was tied at 73. At 3:53 the Suns took the lead for the first time in the third quarter 77-75. As the clock ran out on the quarter the Suns had a 88-87 lead. They won the quarter 35-31 in a tight game. 

It was the Warrior bench that was keeping Golden State in this game. They had accounted for 54 points through three quarters. Curry was the only starter in double digits with 21. Once again he was carrying the team on his back and needed help from his starters. 

With seven minutes left in regulation it was a one-point game, the Suns clinging to a slim lead. With 3:03 left in the game, the Suns had extended their lead to 109-98. In the closing minute of the game the Suns coughed up the ball several times and Golden State pulled to within three points 115-112. 

The Warriors had gone on a 18-6 run and with 9.4 seconds left in the game they had possession and needed a three-pointer to tie up the game. Curry got a look but missed on a very tough shot. 

It was another tough loss for Golden State as Curry came away with 24 points but got absolutely no help from Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson. The loss of Green in the third quarter was just another blow for the Warriors. 

It was the bench that kept the Warriors in this game finishing with 78 points collectively. The Golden State bench was the story of this game. The Warriors got a handle on the turnovers committing 15.

The fourth quarter was the Devon Booker show as the Suns took this game away. Booker finished with 32 points and Bradley Beal had 16 points in his return. The Warriors did come roaring back but it was just too late. Golden State will now wait and see what the ramifications of the Green ejection will bring about.

Post game notes: Tuesday night the Warriors traveled to Phoenix to take on the Suns. After a very disappointing loss to the OKC Thunder last Friday night 138-136, the Warriors had been gearing up for Tuesday’s game. They cleaned up not only the fouls but the turnovers giving up only four against the Suns. After committing 29 in Friday’s game they did better. Kevin Durant was not on the floor for the Suns out with an ankle, his second straight game however he is expected to play on Wednesday night. Chris Paul was back on the bench for Golden State.

Thursday night the Warriors will take on the Los Angeles Clippers at crypto.com Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM.

 

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Turnovers Beat Golden State; OKC Thunder Prevail 138-136

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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) holds the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

By Barbara Mason

In a horrendous display of ineptitude the Golden State Warriors (10-12) came away with 29 turnovers in their matchup with the Oklahoma City (14-7) Thunder Friday night losing 138-136. The team has struggled with ball protection for awhile but Friday night they outdid themselves. Even the 34 points scored by Stephen Curry couldn’t get the job done, although, they did come close.

Friday night the Warriors took on the Thunder . The Warriors had won their last game beating the Portland Trailblazers 110-106 and were looking to establish a winning streak. The Thunder dropped their last game to the Houston Rockets Wednesday by the score of 110-101. Prior to beating the Trailblazers the Warriors lost a heartbreaker to the Los Angeles Clippers 113-112.

The first quarter was all Warriors and the team had a great start to this game leading 28-19 after the opening 12 minutes. The Thunder did win the second quarter 37-34 but Golden State maintained a 62-56 lead going into half time. In the first half, Klay Thompson had shot for 13 points followed by Andrew Wiggins with 12.

In the third quarter, the Thunder turned the game around winning the quarter 33-22 taking an 89-84 lead. OKC was spurred on by the number of turnovers coming from the Warriors. On 29 turnovers, the Thunder scored 35 points.

The Warriors won the final quarter 34-29, but this was only good enough to tie the game. This game would go into overtime with the Thunder prevailing 20-18 in OT and winning the game 138-136.

Despite the 29 turnovers, the Warriors came very close to pulling this game out. Warriors guard Stephen Curry scored 10 of his 34 points in the overtime. When the dust had settled, this game was lost due to poor ball protection.

This was the third loss in a row that the Warriors dropped in their past four matchups with the Thunder this season. Curry did everything he could to will his team to victory scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. Golden State just could not overcome the turnovers. They actually had four turnovers in overtime.

The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 38 points and Jalen Williams had 28 points in this game. OKC is a very young team yet they now reside in second place in the Western Conference standings.

The Warriors will try to turn things around when they travel to Phoenix taking on the Suns Tuesday night. They will need to clean up the turnovers and the fouls which were also problematic in Fridays game. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM and will be aired on TNT.

Despite Slow Start Sacramento Kings Handle Phoenix Suns 114-106

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Sacramento Kings Domantas Sobonis (10) tries to take a shot against the Phoenix Suns Just Nurkic (20) during the first half at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Fri Dec 8, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (12-8) had a bit of a slow start in the first half of their matchup against the Phoenix Suns (12-10) trailing 59-50. They really got onboard in the second half winning the third quarter 33-12. The final was 114-106 extending Sacramento’s season record to 12-8.

Friday night, the Kings took on Suns at Footprint Center. The Kings come into this game after losing to the New Orleans Pelicans in the quarterfinal game of the NBA In-season tournament 127-117 on Mon Dec 4. The Suns also lost last Tuesday in their quarterfinal game against the Los Angeles Lakers in a close one 106-103. Both teams are looking to get back on the winning track.

Game recap: Both the first and second quarters went in favor of the Suns. The two opening quarters were close but Phoenix had the upper hand. The Suns won the first quarter 26-24 as well as the second quarter 33-26. Phoenix took a 59-50 lead into the locker room at the half. So far it was all Phoenix in the first half.

The Kings turned this game around in the third quarter winning it 33–12 in a blowout and took the lead after three quarters 83-71. Sacramento really got their offense going from the field as well as from downtown.

Both teams were protecting the ball well but the Kings were also rebounding the ball with more success than the Suns. The Kings needed to keep the pressure on the Suns going into the fourth quarter.

These are two evenly matched teams and the final quarter of this game would be a battle. So far in this game, the Sacramento starting roster was not really up to par although there was still one more quarter of basketball to play.

The team would need their clutch player De’Aaron Fox to step up and finish this game. Kevin Huerter played 17 minutes through three quarters but was a disappointing 0-4 from the field. He came off the court with a single point in the game.

The fourth quarter saw Fox start to really heat up. With under six minutes left in the game he had 26 points to his credit. Off the bench the Kings got some great work from Malik Monk with 13 points and Sasha Vezenkov with 14.

With 5:31 left in the game Sacramento had taken a 103-92 lead. The Suns got dangerously close with 4 1/2 minutes left in the game 103-96. The Kings were letting the Suns back into the game. Sacramento took command of this game in the final minutes and left the Suns in the dust.

Fox caught fire in the fourth quarter scoring fifteen points and finishing with 34 points in this game. Domantas Sabonis had 15 points and 17 rebounds. They also got some nice bench work from Vezenkov, Monk and Keon Ellis. This was a solid win for Sacramento against a tough contender.

Next up for the Kings will be the Brooklyn Nets at Golden 1 Center in a close matchup. Tipoff for this game Monday night is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings hoping to comeback after tough loss to Pelicans; Tip off with Suns tonight at Footprint Arena

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The New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum takes a shot against the Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Dec 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

The Sacramento Kings (11-8) were back in action on Monday night. The Kings were set to host the first game of the in-season tournament as they welcomed in the New Orleans Pelicans (12-10). The Kings last played Saturday night as they defeated the Denver Nuggets 123-117.

The Pelicans got lots of help from top scorers Brandon Ingram with 30 points and the Kings defense had double coverage on Zion Williamson which relegated the ball to Ingram.

The Pelicans runner up scorer guard Herb Jones contributed with 23. The Kings would have been pretty much in lock step with the Pelicans if it were for that nine point deficit they had in the second quarter where New Orleans were ahead 34-25.

The Kings play tonight in Footprint Center Arena with a 6:00pm PT tip off. The Suns have won seven of their last ten games.

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

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Durant makes it look easy guides Suns with 32 pts; Paul ejected goes after ref

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Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant drives on the Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Nov 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Jerry F:

#1 The Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant showed his old teammates over at Golden State how it’s done leading the Suns with 32 points and had the hot hand in his shot selection.

#2 Jerry, Durant also grabbed eight rebounds two assists. The Suns took advantage of Durant’s offense and the Warriors were once again frustrated.

#3 The Warriors Chris Paul was given one technical with just 32.2 seconds left in the first half for a lengthy discussion with official Scott Foster. After Foster started to walk away from Paul, Paul continued to jaw with Foster and picked up another technical and was ejected.

#4 There was more Paul went after Foster and Warrior teammates had to get between Foster and Paul before something worse was going to go down.

#5 The Warriors have now lost five out of their last six games. The Warriors host the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on Friday night for a 7:00pm tip. The Spurs are a current four game losing streak and hope to end the streak in San Francisco. How do you see this match up Friday night.

Join Jerry F for the Golden State Warriors podcast Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Suns hold off a Warrior fourth quarter rally to win 123-115

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The Phoenix Suns guard Devon Booker (1) drives on Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podzienic (2) at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Wed Nov 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors (7-9) were in Phoenix to take on the Phoenix Suns (9-6) Wednesday night. The Warriors snapped a six-game losing streak Monday night and hoped to get their second win in a row. The Suns had other thoughts. It was a strange game.

The Warriors won the first and fourth quarters. The teams tied in the third quarter. What happened in the second quarter won the game for the Suns. The Suns’ defense held the Warriors to 16 points. Phoenix put 37 points on the board and put the Warriors in a deep hole.

Other things that happened in the second quarter led to the Warriors losing the game. The Warriors committed nine turnovers and too many fouls, and with 23 seconds left in the first half, Paul fouled Kevin Durant. Paul complained to referee Scott Foster.

Paul and Foster have a long history, and when Paul said something Foster didn’t like, Foster tagged Paul with two technical fouls. In Addition, Warriors head coach, Steve Kerr, was tagged with a technical. Devin Booker made three free throws. Durant made his two for a five-point play. The Suns finished the second quarter on a 23-5 run to lead by sixteen at the end of the first half. 63-47.

The Warriors needed to find a way to get back into the game. With Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins on the floor to start the third quarter, the Warriors were hoping to go on a run to get back into the game. Things did not go well for the Warriors.

The Suns’ defense bottled up Curry. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker led the Suns’ offense. The Suns increased the lead to 23, 83-60. Kerr decided to let his second unit play. The youngsters performed well. At the end of the period, the bench chopped off seven points from the Phoenix lead to trail by 16, 91-75

16-point deficits going into the fourth quarter can be overcome. If the team gets hot and the defense makes stops, the team could pull out a win. The defense of the Warriors had to stop Durant, Booker, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Josh Okogie. The Warriors came close to pulling off the upset.

Moses Moody, Dario Saric, Cory Joseph, and Brandin Podzienic put on a show for Coach Kerr. The Warriors closed to within three points, 118-115. Time was not on the Warriors side. There were only 19 seconds left in the game. To get possession of the ball, they had to foul. Booker and Durant went to the free-throw line and iced the game for Phoenix. 123-115 was the final score in favor of the Suns.

Game Notes: The Warriors have lost seven of the last eight games, and their record falls to 7-9. The Suns improved to 9-6. 

The Warriors were without Draymond Green and Gary Payton II. Green has one more game left on his five-game suspension. Payton has a sprained ankle and is unsure when he will return. The Suns’ Bradley Beal was out with back issues.

The Warriors lost the game at the free-throw line. The Suns made 44 free throws in 52 tries. The Warriors made 19. That 25-point difference was sufficient to win the game for Phoenix. The Suns scored 27 points off turnovers. The Warriors had 17. Add that two-point differential, and the Warriors gave the Suns 35 points. 

The Warriors took 90 shots compared to the Suns’ 76. Thompson led the Warriors with 23 points. Curry was held to 16. Other double-figured players were Dario Saric with 17, Wiggins with 11, and Podziemic with ten. 

Durant finished the night with 32 points. Booker had a double-double with 25 points and ten assists. Josh Okogie helped put a blanket on Curry’s offensive efforts. Okogie finished with 12 points.

The Warriors return home to Chase Center Frida night to play an in-season tournament game against the San Antonio Spurs. The fans will see the rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama for the first time. The game will start at 7 p.m.

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

zion picked up his fourth quarer.