Jonathan Kuminga maintained his status as the Warriors’ most potent offensive player, contributing 15 of his game-high 29 points during the second quarter, propelling Golden State to a convincing 121-101 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum to kick off their road trip on Friday.
Despite being selected as a Western Conference All-Star reserve just the day before, Stephen Curry added 20 points and six assists to the scoreboard. Klay Thompson, returning after a one-game absence due to illness, made a solid impact with 14 points.
Brandin Podziemski had a notable performance with 12 points, seven rebounds, and a career-high 14 assists, marking the most assists by any NBA rookie this season and the highest for a Warriors rookie since Ky Bowman’s 11 nearly four years ago.
In contrast to their previous encounter on January 15, where the Grizzlies had the upper hand, the Warriors seized control early in the game and maintained a comfortable lead throughout. Although the Grizzlies were again without key players, the Warriors successfully contained their bench, preventing a repeat of the previous big performances.
While the Warriors displayed defensive vulnerabilities, allowing open looks from the perimeter, the Grizzlies couldn’t capitalize as effectively, shooting 14 of 46 from beyond the arc compared to the 20 three-pointers they made in the previous matchup.
The game marked the beginning of a challenging five-game stretch over seven days for Golden State. Coach Steve Kerr utilized his bench extensively, providing playing time for seldom-used players like Gui Santos and Lester Quinones. Quinones recorded a career-high of 10 points and six rebounds, while Santos contributed four points.
Key Takeaways:
- Kuminga’s Streak: Jonathan Kuminga’s consistent scoring over the past month has provided a valuable boost to the Warriors’ offense. The 21-year-old forward has scored in double figures for 25 consecutive games, including the last eight with 20 or more points. This impressive streak makes him the longest-standing under-22 player for the Warriors since Monta Ellis in the 2007-08 NBA season.
- Kerr’s Frustration: Coach Steve Kerr’s frustration with the lack of calls benefiting Stephen Curry boiled over during the game. Kerr, expressing concerns about the discrepancies in foul calls for Curry, received a technical foul after protesting an incident where Curry was hit in the head. Kerr’s frustration highlights an ongoing issue concerning the number of fouls Curry receives despite his aggressive playstyle.
- Saric’s Absence: Dario Saric’s absence due to illness prompted Kerr to adjust the rotation. Trayce Jackson-Davis has been experiencing a decrease in playing time recently, and Gui Santos stepped in to fill the gap. Santos, the Warriors’ 2022 second-round draft pick, made a positive impact in limited minutes, showcasing Kerr’s creative approach to managing the absence of key players.