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Hot Shooting Golden State Warriors defy the odds in Cleveland

By Peter O'Keefe

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 20: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after scoring during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 20, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 120-114. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 20: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after scoring during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 20, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 120-114. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Coming off an overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, down four starters, and playing against a team with a 19-4 record on their home floor, few gave the Golden State Warriors any hope in their matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.

It was supposed to be about providing cause for optimism among the youngsters, particularly given Jonathan Kuminga returned from injury and was thrust straight into a starting role. But instead of a nice few highlights before an inevitable loss, the Warriors rained down three after three to shock the hosts and a stunned crowd.

The Golden State Warriors chalked up one of their best wins of the season in a 120-114 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

Jordan Poole began with three triples to start the contest, and the reigning champions knocked down seven of their first nine to set up an early lead they ultimately never relinquished.

In a remarkable situation given the absence of the best shooting duo of all-time in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Warriors’ 14 first-half threes were their most in any half this season. Despite that fact, it was actually the third-quarter that set up Golden State’s win after leading by five at the half.

They continued their hot shooting, starting on a 25-10 run to open the third as they bounced out to a 20-point lead at 89-69. No one could seemingly miss for Golden State — Poole’s five threes were the most of any Warrior, but his 41.7% from beyond the arc was actually the lowest percentage of any player to attempt a three.

The Warriors knocked down 23 of their 43 (53.5%) attempts for the evening, their equal-third most in any game this season. Nothing signified the game more than a Ty Jerome dagger three in the final two minutes. The Cavaliers had come storming back to make it just a four-point margin in the closing minutes, but a fading three from Jerome near the shot clock buzzer ensured Golden State wouldn’t undo all their good work.

Kuminga made his presence felt and showed what the Warriors had been missing in his absence, scoring ten points, grabbing three rebounds and dishing five assists in nearly 27 promising minutes. Yet it was Golden State’s other returning player, JaMychal Green, who provided an immense boost with three triples as part of 13 points and eight rebounds in just over 16 important minutes.

Poole played nearly 41 minutes and led the Warriors with 32 points, while Jerome played over 41 minutes and had a season-high 22 points to go with eight assists. Kevon Looney was back as the starting center and had a monster 17 rebounds, with Donte DiVincenzo adding 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.

The win is Golden State’s first on the road against a team with a winning record, simultaneously getting them back to .500 and sixth in the ever-changing Western Conference. They finish the five-game roadtrip with a positive 3-2 record ahead of games against the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors as part of a three-game homestand.

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