Despite the last-minute absence of James Harden, the Nets never gave up in San Francisoc. Led by 19 points in the third quarter, they got behind the duo Kyrie Irving – Patty Mills to push Golden State to its limits.
Although Nic Claxton had a thunderous start to the game, the Warriors defense and an incisive Andrew Wiggins finished the first quarter 20-7 to take control of the game (31-20). The Dubs are up to 13 points ahead but their rigor is crumbling. Jonathan Kuminga and Juan Toscano-Anderson rush in and the Nets jump at the chance to revive. Kyrie Irving goes for his points on the free-throw line, as three straight award-winning shots from Patty Mills end an 11-0 Brooklyn that takes them ahead (43-39).
With Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson not really in the game, STeve Kerr raises Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II and the two players turn things around. Their defense on Irving and Mills halted the Nets’ attack, and with the help of a hot-handed Otto Porter Jr, they finished the half 15-4 (54-47). The Warriors confirm their good run by starting the second half on a 16-4 behind the awakening of Curry (70-51)!
Brooklyn is not giving up, however. Kyrie Irving catches fire, scores 14 points to bring the Nets, still dominating in offensive rebounding, tied thanks to a blistering 27-8 (78-78).
Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and Patty Mills respond to each other blow for blow. The two defenses raised their voices but it was ultimately the “Splash Brothers” who allowed the Warriors to get out of it in extremis, thanks to an award-winning shot from Klay Thompson on an assist from Stephen Curry.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Private Nets of James Harden. Bothered by a problem with his right hand for a few days, the Nets star had to give up facing the Warriors. A last-minute package that reflects a desire not to take any risks on the side of Brooklyn. “He had a follow-up MRI this morning which was good, but James had pain this morning when he woke up that he hadn’t had on the previous days” explained Steve Nash before the meeting. Already deprived of Kevin Durant until the break of the All-Star Game, the Nets continue to be hit by the blows of fate which prevents them from being complete, not to mention the absences at home of Kyrie Irving.
– Andrew Wiggins in All-Star mode. With the “Splash Brothers” 1 out of 13 on half-time shots, it was Andrew Wiggins who carried the Warriors to allow them to return to the locker room in front of the score. Aggressive and full of confidence, the Canadian was omnipresent in the first quarter, finishing with 14 points at 6/9 on shots, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. If he was less prolific in the second quarter, it was his defense on Kyrie Irving that helped limit the Nets to 4 points in the last five minutes of the half. Named holder of the All-Star Game on Thursday, Andrew Wiggins seems to be playing with increased confidence and aggression.
– The “Splash Brothers” against Kyrie Irving. For one evening, the Chase Center looked like Oracle Arena as the duel between Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving took us back a few seasons when the three players faced each other at the height of the rivalry. Warriors–Cavs. Kyrie Irving delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 21 of his 32 points after the break. It was he who sounded the revolt of the Nets by chaining shots from afar and baskets near the circle with his incomparable touchdown. He ended up slowing down late in the game, finally leaving the honors to Curry and Thompson who went on to win the game for their team. And even if we would have preferred to see the two franchises in full, the three backs gave us a real show.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Andrew Wiggins. The Canadian scored 17 of his 24 points in the first half to get the Warriors off to a tough start.
✅ Kyrie Irving. The magician was out tonight and brought back fond memories to Golden State fans. The Nets point guard was indefensible all night, finishing with 32 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds and 3 steals.
✅ Patty Mills. Holder in the absence of James Harden, the Australian had a warm hand as evidenced by his 6 out of 12 from afar. He scored 24 points in total.
✅ ⛔ Stephen Curry and Clay Thompson. Next to the plate for three quarters (4/23 on shots), the “Splash Brothers” raised their heads at the best time. Stephen Curry scored 14 of his 19 points in the last quarter, at 50% success, while Klay Thompson scored 9 of his 16 points, including the decisive 3-pointer. Both players scored their team’s last 14 points.
⛔ Juan Toscano-Anderson. Opportunities follow and miss for the Mexican. In the absence of Draymond Green, Nemanja Bjelica and Andre Iguodala, he failed to seize his chance, finishing with a +/- of -15.
THE FOLLOWING
Golden State (37-13): the Warriors head to Texas for a “back-to-back” against the Rockets and the Spurs
Brooklyn (29-20): Wolves continue in Phoenix to face the best team in the NBA
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