This performance from the Golden State Warriors was one of their best this season.
After a sloppy first quarter, the Warriors regrouped behind a tremendous showing from Stephen Curry.
Buddy Hield had his best game in a win since opening night, and the Warriors demonstrated great discipline by winning the turnover battle.
Not playing down to their competition and executing at a high level—this is what Warriors fans have been waiting for as the Dubs were victorious 134-117.
Curry setting new standards in Year 17
Curry was the heart and soul of the Warriors, as always, totaling 31 points on 50% shooting from the field.
An unspoken strength of Curry’s is his ability to demoralize opponents with his deliberate play; he’s an apex cerebral assassin.
stephen Curry, NBA: Utah Jazz at Golden State Warriors
Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
A modest 12 points in the first half had many thinking this might not be Curry’s night, but true to form, he erupted for 14 points in the third quarter.
In his 17th year, Curry is averaging 28.6 points per game, with an impressive 32.2 points on 69.5% true shooting over his last five games.
No point guard in NBA history has sustained this level of excellence this deep into their career, and once again, Curry is setting a new standard.
The supporting cast stepped up big for the Warriors
Jimmy Butler was the perfect ‘Robin,’ scoring an excellent 18 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out seven assists.
His ability to elevate teammates while holding himself accountable is an underrated skill that has kept this Warriors team together since he arrived.
NBA: Utah Jazz at Golden State Warriors
Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The absence of Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and Al Horford may have caused some concern among fans and analysts, but the supporting cast of Golden State stepped up on this occasion.
Buddy Hield had his best game of the season so far, scoring 20 points on 61.5% shooting.
When he plays well, it usually bodes well for the Warriors, as they are now 15-3 when Hield scores 18 or more points.
Golden State secures the victory, but a huge matchup lies ahead
Golden State is currently 10-9 on the season, and they might be better than their record indicates.
A shorthanded Warriors team won the battle of turnovers, rebounds, and second-chance points against a young and spry Utah Jazz squad.
Granted, it was against the now 5-12 Jazz on the second leg of a back-to-back, but a much stronger test looms.
On Wednesday night, the Warriors will face the 11-4 Houston Rockets without Kevin Durant.
This will be a true test, and it’s clear that this season, such games are when the Warriors really step up.
Updates on the status of Green, Kuminga, and Butler are expected, but chances are, for a game of this magnitude, they will be ready to rise to the challenge.