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Golden State Warriors: 5 best wins that propelled defending champs to a top six seed

By Peter O'Keefe

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 20: Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors runs a play 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: Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors runs a play 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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Donte DiVincenzo guards Darius Garland during a matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors on January 20. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Donte DiVincenzo guards Darius Garland during a matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors on January 20. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

2. @ Cleveland Cavaliers, January 20

This may go down as the most underrated win of Golden State’s season, primarily because nothing notable happened in-game to make it overly memorable. For all intents and purposes though, this appeared a ‘scheduled loss’ for the Warriors.

Coming off a tough overtime loss in Boston the night before, they traveled to Cleveland without their four best players in Curry, Thompson, Wiggins and Draymond Green. Donovan Mitchell was absent for the Cavaliers, but the hosts were supposed to be too good for the woeful road Warriors.

Instead, Golden State got off to a good start and opened up a 20-point lead during the third-quarter. Cleveland surged back to make things interesting late, but the Warriors steadied to record a surprise 120-114 win.

Jordan Poole had 32 points and fellow guard Ty Jerome had a season-best performance, scoring 22 and dishing eight assists in over 41 minutes of gametime. This was the definition of a game the Warriors were never supposed to win.

1. v Portland Trail Blazers, February 28

Golden State went through a homestand defined by comeback performances in late February/early March, and their performance against the Trail Blazers ranked right at the top of those.

Without Curry and Wiggins, the Warriors found themselves trailing 63-40 late in the second-quarter behind another inspired shooting display from Portland star Damian Lillard. Golden State managed to cut the lead to 17 at halftime, but things still looked bleak in what was an important game for both teams.

What followed was the biggest turnaround of the season, with the Warriors not only roaring back to take lead, but going on to win the game comfortably. They would outscore the Trail Blazers 75-40 in the second-half as part of a remarkable 41-point turnaround that saw them claim a 123-105 victory.

Next. Why the Golden State Warriors have actually done well to secure a top six seed. dark

Poole, Thompson and DiVincenzo would each score at least 20 points, while Jonathan Kuminga added 16 off the bench. Not only did it mean a lot for their own playoff hopes, but it also dented Portland’s chances and aided in the decision to completely shut down their season shortly after.

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