Golden State Warriors come back from 19, beat San Antonio Spurs by 20
The Golden State Warriors fell behind by 19 points to the San Antonio Spurs on the road, but came back and won in convincing fashion by 20.
The Golden State Warriors met the San Antonio Spurs in a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals. Once again, the Spurs were without Kawhi Leonard. Once again, the Warriors won.
In years past, the Warriors could not go into San Antonio and leave with a win. The last two times Golden State has traveled down to Texas to take on Gregg Popovich’s team in the regular season, they’ve fallen down big. They’ve won both games.
As has been the case all season long, the Warriors couldn’t stop turning the ball over early. The Spurs capitalized on all of Golden State’s mistakes, turning defense into offense. Their hot shooting and discipline helped them build a 19 point lead.
More from Blue Man Hoop
- 3x champion may come to regret forgoing Golden State Warriors reunion
- Golden State Warriors: History shows USA may need Stephen Curry for more than the Olympics
- 7 players Golden State Warriors might replace Klay Thompson with by the trade deadline
- Golden State Warriors villain pours on more pain to end USA’s World Cup
- Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry continues philanthropic efforts off the court
The Warriors were not playing well, but their talent far exceeded what the Spurs put on the floor. So they chipped away at the lead. Despite Kevin Durant’s 1/9 first-half shooting performance, the Dubs were down just five points at the break.
Then they turned it on. The Warriors scored 34 points in the third quarter. Durant got going and gave the Warriors a lead with a three-pointer.
Golden State started executing at the level that beat San Antonio in four games last season. Their defense was stifling and their stars were clicking. Klay Thompson finished with 27 points, Durant had 24, Stephen Curry had 21 points, and Draymond Green had 16 points.
Popovich picked up two technical fouls on what he thought was a missed travel call on Jordan Bell. Bell was playing the Green role, slipped the screen, received Curry’s bounce pass, possibly walked, and found Patrick McCaw for the three.
Golden State looked like two different teams. They went from trailing by 19 to leading by 20 points. Unlike in previous games, the Warriors successfully flipped the switch. They’re going to need a complete effort to defeat the Spurs once Leonard and Tony Parker return.
They will fly to the Pepsi Center to take on the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.