Golden State Warriors continue bizarre trend in win over New York Knicks

The Golden State Warriors have continued their bizarre home and road trend, bouncing back from a disappointing loss in Phoenix with a 111-101 win against the New York Knicks at Chase Center.

The team is now an imposing 7-1 at home this season, but as well publicised, that form’s failed to translate on the road with a 0-8 record. It continues to be a bewildering aspect of the Warriors early season story, with strong away performances having been a staple of the Steve Kerr era.

The Golden State Warriors got even contributions across the board in a solid ten-point win over the New York Knicks on Friday night.

There were plenty of positives for the Warriors on Friday, even if they let a 22-point lead since to single figures late in the fourth quarter. At the top of the reasons to smile — an efficient and productive game from Klay Thompson.

The sharpshooter’s form has been under heavy scrutiny so far this season, but he clearly came out with a point to prove on his way to 11 first-quarter points. That helped Golden State build a 35-19 advantage, a lead that would never be truly threatened for the remainder of the night.

While Thompson was quiet over the second and third periods, he hit a couple of smooth jumpers to help put the full stop on any potential Knicks comeback. The 32-year-old finished with 20 points on 8-for-16 shooting including 4-for-10 from three-point range.

Stephen Curry again led the way for the Warriors, although he wasn’t forced to play the one-man herculean role like Wednesday’s 50-point display against Phoenix. The two-time MVP had 24 points and ten assists, while Andrew Wiggins also chipped in an efficient 20 to go with seven rebounds.

It’s hard to gauge how much can actually be taken from the game, such is the up-and-down nature of Golden State’s season to date. While a ten-point win over the Knicks is a good result, it also matches expectation if you were evaluating potential results in preseason. It’s more the way they played that provides optimism, particularly Thompson who’s shot selection was much more astute than what we’ve seen in almost every game beforehand.

Only one team, the Milwaukee Bucks, have a better record on their home floor, while the Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons are the other teams to remain winless on the road. That record simply has to change when the Warriors meet the 3-13 Rockets in Houston on Sunday.