Warriors’ Big Three combine for 81 points in first win
The Golden State Warriors’ get their first win on the strength of their Big Three.
The Warriors were looking to bounce back after a tough loss against the San Antonio Spurs. Their task wasn’t easy as they had to go up against Anthony Davis, who was coming off an incredible 50 points night. The Warriors managed to get their first win of the Kevin Durant era, winning 122-114.
Early on, it was the back and forth that we all expected: Davis vs. Zaza Pachulia. Both big men had eight points in the opening minutes of the going. Only one guy looked spectacular and the other was Pachulia.
Davis was an absolute monster on both ends of the floor. The Warriors’ game plan was clearly to try to slow down the Brow. Every time he touched the ball–in the post in particular–Golden State rushed a second defender at him. Doing this got them in trouble as Steph Curry picked up three fouls in the first half, forcing him to sit on the bench in the last part of the second quarter.
The Warriors’ already-challenged depth was affected in the second quarter. Patrick McCaw, who came in for Curry after he picked up his third, went down with less than a minute left in the half. He suffered a twisted ankle and did not return to the game.
The Warriors couldn’t quite pull away, even in the second half. Curry got it going, scorning inside and out. But still, it wasn’t enough.
A pleasant surprise for Golden State was Kevon Looney who got some third quarter minutes. He was active on the glass. In a little over five minutes, he grabbed 3 rebounds and scored 4 points. He was a +13 in 7 minutes.
Every time it looked like the Warriors were ready to make their move and take a commanding lead, Davis came right back with something spectacular. And it was clear that Golden State was pressing and getting a little bit frustrated. In the fourth, Durant picked up a technical foul after shoving down Lance Stephenson who definitely sold the contact.
The Warriors kept the Pelicans at an arm’s length away. Durant showed exactly why he’s one of the best by guarding Davis down the stretch. He blocked a three-point attempt, grabbed the ball, and finished on the other end.
Durant finished with 30 points, 17 rebounds, and 6 assists. Curry added 23 points and 7 assists of his own. Klay Thompson, who is still trying to find his stroke from outside, poured in 28 points. Davis was a monster, scoring 45 points and 17 points with 2 blocks and 2 steals.
Next: Steve Kerr has a lot of work to do
The Warriors are still finding their rhythm and working through some rotation issues. It’s still going to take time. There was some flashes, as they had a 32 assists on 44 field goals. But the offense sometimes needs work developing and the defense is a work in progress.
It was an ugly win, but a win nonetheless. There were some positives like Durant’s defense and the ball movement, some negatives like three-point shooting and silly fouls, and some serious concerns like McCaw’s ankle. What’s good for Golden State is that 81-1 is still in play.
The Warriors will visit the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.