Game Report: Warriors grind past Pacers

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 15: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of their game at Chase Center on October 15, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 15: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of their game at Chase Center on October 15, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Golden State Warriors v Indiana Pacers: Two Key Facts

1. Warriors turnovers nearly come back to haunt them, again.

Golden State shot 50% from the field, a vast improvement on their last two outings against the 76ers and Trail Blazers. Given they kept the Pacers to just 40.2% from the floor, you’d expect that differential to lead to a comfortable Warrior win.

Things couldn’t have been more different. Despite being much more efficient, the Warriors conceded 17 turnovers to the Pacers ten. On top of that, the whistles were much more prevalent on Indiana’s end. They shot 31 free throws to the Warriors 14, which, combined with the turnovers, nearly cost the Warriors the game.

2. Green and Looney’s season highs

In a starting line-up that includes Curry, Wiggins and Poole, scoring is often the last thing on the mind of the two defensive stalwarts. Yet, when badly needed, they showed up to deliver another Warrior win.

Green finished with a season-high 15 points to go with nine rebounds and five assists. His ten field goal attempts, of which he made seven, were only the second time he’d attempted double-digit shots this season.

For Looney, his 14 points weren’t only a season-high but were also one-off a career-high. Given the discussion around the Warriors’ potential interest in Sabonis or Turner, it seemed the seventh-year big man was keen to prove a point.

Following the game, the Warriors had some late-night drama with their flight to New York canceled due to plane troubles. It means they’ll fly and play on the same day, the outcome of which will be interesting for fans across the league.