With All-Star Weekend now in the rearview mirror, the frenzied race down the backstretch of the season commences.
For the week of Monday, Feb. 20 – Sunday, Feb. 26
Record: 1-1
The Warriors entered the All-Star break with a bit of bad, and then a whole lot of good.
Sometimes it’s just not your night, and that was clearly the case on Monday when the Dubs ran into a record-shooting performance on behalf of the Nuggets. Denver tied an NBA record with 24 three-pointers, and at that point, you just tip your cap.
Golden State wasn’t firing on all cylinders during the first half of their matchup against the Kings two days later, and went into halftime facing a three-point deficit, knowing they’d have to make a comeback without the aid of Draymond Green, who had been ejected. Once the third quarter commenced, however, the Warriors reminded us why they’re the only team in the league to be in first place at the All-Star break in each of the last three seasons.
In a span of just under six minutes, Golden State turned a deficit into a blowout, breaking the game open with near perfect execution on both ends of the floor.
From the 8:01 mark of the third quarter to 2:22 left in the frame, the Warriors outscored the Kings 22-0, constituting their longest run while holding an opponent scoreless this season. They made eight of their nine shot attempts during that stretch, including three of four from three-point range, but it wasn’t just an abbreviated offensive masterpiece. On defense, they held Sacramento to 0-of-9 shooting from the field, collected four steals, blocked three shots and forced five turnovers.
By the time that sequence was over, so, too, was the contest. It was their 16th 40-point quarter of the season, and Golden State easily rounded out the eventual 23-point victory.
Ironically, both of the Warriors’ games last week presented opportunities for Steve Kerr to get some playing experience for his younger reserves. While Golden State may currently possess unparalleled talent – as indicated by being the only team in the NBA this year and eighth team in league history with four All-Stars – you never know when someone is going to have to step up in a time of need, and getting that experience now could prove to be invaluable if and when the time comes.
Standout Spotlight: Klay Thompson
He missed the game in Denver due to an ailing heel, but in a week with only two games, Thompson still managed to make a significant mark. He totaled a game-high 35 points in Wednesday’s victory over the Kings, including 17 in that decisive third quarter.
He may have fallen short of defending his title in the JBL Three-Point Contest during All-Star Weekend, but he gets a pass. Golden State has now won their last 23 regular season games when Thompson scores at least 30 points, and after all, winning is the name of the game.
The Week Ahead:
The frenzied race down the backstretch towards the playoffs commences this week, and the Warriors start it off with two games at Oracle Arena. First, the Dubs return to regular season action on Thursday when they play the Clippers for the fourth and final time this season. Golden State has swept the three meetings thus far by an average of 25.3 points per game, which you can be sure is not lost on Los Angeles. Following that matchup, the Warriors round out the week when the Brooklyn Nets make their lone trip to the Bay Area this season on Saturday. That will be Golden State’s final home game until March 8, so the Warriors would be wise to take advantage of their home court before heading out on an extended road trip.