For this XXL poster, the Warriors receive the Bucks, on a series of six consecutive victories. A major challenge but an ideal opportunity for Stephen Curry and his teammates to mark the spirits, and to validate the recent revival of momentum Warriors (two straight wins after five straight losses).
After a first quarter of observation between the two formations (28-28), the locals strike first in the second quarter: a 39-30 (at 15/23 on shots) to take a 9-point lead at halftime (67-58). While Stephen Curry is oddly understated, it’s the Bay’s hot man of the moment, Jordan Poole, leading the charge, backed up by Klay Thompson who easily finds his rhythm on offense.
In the second half, Golden State validated its domination: the residents of the Chase Center signed a very satisfactory third quarter from an offensive point of view (36 points at 54% on shots), while the Bucks lost their rhythm (26 points at 7/19), despite a big night Giannis Antetokonmpo. The gap climbed to +21, and despite a better managed fourth quarter, the Bucks were too short and lost in California, after a game largely dominated by the Warriors (122-109).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
The Warriors margin. Although Stephen Curry did not weigh (8 points at 3/7), Golden State won by 13 points after leading by 21 points. A collective demonstration delivered by Steve Kerr’s band, which after a period of turbulence earlier in the month, finds its momentum for several days. To compensate for the discreet evening of “Chief Curry”, the Warriors were able to count on an “old-fashioned” Klay Thompson (38 points at 15/24, 8/14 behind the arc), but also on a Jordan Poole always also hot, an Andrew Wiggins who is better and an excellent Jonathan Kuminga off the bench. The Warriors collective hit hard.
An unprecedented five. Steve Kerr surprised everyone by lining up the Curry-Poole-Thompson trio to start the game. Inside, Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney. A winning formula!
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Klay Thompson. The Golden State guard delivered his best game of the season, with a performance reminiscent of his regular hot shots, before his injuries. He finished with 38 points (8/14 three-pointers), 6 rebounds and 5 assists, and the general feeling of having found his rhythm for good. To the delight of a thrilled Chase Center, the “Splash Brother” recalled the immense offensive player that he was.
✅ Jordan Poole. California’s hottest man strikes again. Very fit for several days, the former rear of Michigan was a hit on the defense of Milwaukee: 30 points at 9/16 (5/10 at three-pointers), with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. When the player is in such a state of grace in attack, it’s all good for the Warriors, who become very difficult to defend.
✅ Andrew Wiggins. The Canadian winger showed some interesting things. Not at best lately, the All-Star delivered a reassuring match: 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, with a good address (8/16). Disciplined defensively, he regained his usual prominence for the first time since the All-Star break.
✅ Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite the defeat, the Greek did not deserve (31 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists). Dominant whatever the strategy used by the Warriors, who tried several combinations against him (Wiggins, Thompson, Kuminga), the strong winger from Milwaukee made a carnage but was not however very well supported by his teammates, who notably missed many opportunities to take advantage of the gaps created by the “Greek Feak” (17/44 at 3-points).
⛔️ Bobby Portis. While Serge Ibaka shone off the bench (15 points and 6 rebounds in 17 minutes), Bobby Portis had all the trouble in the world to weigh on the meeting (4 points at 2/10, 0/4 behind the arc) . While the return of Brook Lopez is becoming clearer, and if the Congolese pivot continues to produce good performances off the bench, the former Bull could quickly find the bench.
THE FOLLOWING
Golden State (46-22): Wizards reception, Monday
Milwaukee (42-26): trip to Salt Lake City on Monday
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