SAN FRANCISCO – In a game that the Golden State Warriors desperately needed, Stephen Curry rose to the occasion with a stunning fourth-quarter performance, scoring 12 consecutive points to lead his team to a 124-120 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. This victory, crucial in snapping a three-game losing streak, came amidst a challenging period for the Warriors, marked by the absence of Draymond Green due to an indefinite suspension.
Curry, the two-time MVP, was in scintillating form, finishing the game with 37 points, including a flawless 16-point performance in the final quarter. Klay Thompson, contributing 24 points, hit crucial back-to-back three-pointers in the closing minutes, signaling his intent to help ease the scoring burden on Curry.
Cam Thomas of the Nets emerged as a standout performer, scoring 41 points on impressive 15-for-24 shooting, including five three-pointers. Spencer Dinwiddie also played a key role for Brooklyn, adding 16 points and a season-high 14 assists. Despite these efforts, the Nets suffered their third loss in four games during their current West Coast swing.
The game’s climax saw Royce O’Neale cutting the Warriors’ lead to just two points with a three-pointer. However, Curry’s consecutive short jumpers in the final minute secured Golden State’s win. Coach Steve Kerr lauded Curry’s performance, emphasizing his ability to inspire confidence in the team during challenging times.
The Warriors have had difficulties closing games this season, but they managed to hold on despite their 14 turnovers, which led to 29 points for Brooklyn. Rookie Brandin Podziemski, making his second straight start, contributed 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Andrew Wiggins, coming off the bench for only the second time in his regular-season career, also made a notable impact.
Off the bench, Dario Saric added 12 points, and Chris Paul distributed 11 assists. This game marked Golden State’s first home game and second overall since Green’s suspension, which came following an incident with Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic. Kerr expressed support for Green but declined to detail the support he is receiving.
The win is a significant boost for Golden State, which had lost 12 of its previous 16 games but extended its home winning streak to five. Kerr expressed optimism about the team’s potential, stating, “We know we’re capable of getting on a run, and I think that’s coming.”
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The Nets continue their challenging schedule with a game against Utah on Monday night before returning home. Meanwhile, the Warriors face a quick turnaround as they travel to Portland on Sunday to complete their back-to-back home-road games.
