SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors have been on the wrong end of many close games in recent weeks as they tumbled from a 12-3 start to a .500 record in Saturday’s matinee showdown with former teammate Kevin Durant and the Phoenix suns.
But led by a stellar performance from Jonathan Kuminga, who matched his career high with 34 points, and some timely plays from recent addition Dennis Schroder, Golden State escaped with a 109-105 victory.
Even though it was just one win, Draymond Green saw no reason why this couldn’t be the start of the Warriors’ rebuilding season.
“When I look at where the season changed, it changed in San Antonio and Brooklyn, those back-to-back games,” Green said, referring to the first two losses of the team’s 3-12 streak during Saturday night’s game. “That was the turning point. There’s no reason why this couldn’t be a turning point to reverse it.
“But you have to build on it. It just doesn’t happen. You’re not out of the woods yet. We’re 16 and 15, so we have to put some wins together. I think we’re capable of doing that.” That.”
It looked like Saturday’s game would be another painfully close loss for Golden State, which had suffered a two-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day and a tough outing that nonetheless resulted in a loss to the LA on Friday night. Clippers with both Green and Stephen Curry outside.
With Green and Curry back on the court Saturday, Golden State still trailed most of the night despite Green scoring all 16 points in the first half. Kuminga also had a standout game off the bench, tying career highs by shooting 12-for-20 from the floor, going to the free-throw line 12 times, grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out three assists.
But the Warriors took the lead with 1:23 remaining when Schroder — who has struggled mightily since joining Golden State from Brooklyn in a trade two weeks ago — stepped up and buried a 3-pointer after Andrew Wiggins grabbed an offensive rebound on his own miss.
That was the first of several important actions by Schroder down the road. He then forced a Durant turnover, fouled a key loose ball and buried a pair of critical free throws to help preserve Golden State’s victory.
“It definitely felt good to knock down a 3,” Schroder said with a smile. “It’s been a few tough games, but I’m happy we won the game.”
A key factor in Saturday’s victory was a second straight strong game from Kuminga, who scored 34 points in consecutive games. The seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has been a major talking point since the preseason, when he was denied an extension until recently being removed from the starting lineup by coach Steve Kerr.
But Kuminga played a role in every way in this game, with both his goal and defense against Durant boosting the Warriors.
“It feels like he’s turning a corner, and he played so hard last night, and again tonight,” Kerr said, adding, “This is exactly what we’re looking for, and it’s fun to see him perform.”
“He’s by far one of the most talented guys on the team,” Green said, “and it’s good to see him play the way he’s playing. We just need him to stay that aggressive. When he’s on the field, so are we.” I’m going to put the spotlight on him, and it’s up to him to do the rest, and he does it.
“He’s more than capable, and he’s going to keep getting better, and he’s going to keep doing more.”
Golden State will look to build some momentum in what will be a six-game homestand, albeit one that includes games against the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers and the Philadelphia 76ers, who have won nine of their past 12 games. It also includes games against playoff contenders in the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat.
But the momentum has to start somewhere. And after a series of close losses in recent weeks, the Warriors were happy to finally get one going their way on Saturday night.
“We lost a lot of it,” Kerr said. “We definitely need to regain our confidence. So I think this will help.”