For the Golden State Warriors and fans who follow them, the presumed season destination is much more tantalizing than the journey. But their poetic style of play and the effort that other teams often exert when playing them makes for an entertaining show. Golden State hasn’t looked great so far this season. They fell apart down the stretch against Houston, losing the opener, and then came out sluggish in New Orleans Friday night (they won). Tonight, they were down sixteen points at the end of the third quarter but cut the lead to eight with two minutes remaining.
However, Memphis had just enough to finish them off.
All game, the Warriors were upset with the officiating, and it reached its boiling point with 43 seconds left. After Stephen Curry felt like he was fouled on a layup, he whipped his mouth guard in the direction of an official, which earned him an immediate ejection. Kevin Durant had also had few choice words and was tossed right after (Two former MVPs ejected at the same time must be some sort of record).
Game MVP
Before Stephen Curry’s ejection, foul trouble marred what could have been an incredible scoring night. He had the hot hand most of the game, but sat out his normal rotation minutes with four fouls in the first-half and then picked up his fifth in the third quarter.
He finished with 37 points, shooting 6-of-11 from the three-point line.
The other starters
Kevin Durant attempted to pick up the offensive slack with Curry on the bench (29 points and 13 rebounds). He knocked down three three-pointers in the fourth quarter, helping the Warriors stay in the game, but it wasn't enough. After 31 points last night, Klay Thompson couldn’t find the mark, scoring just 14 points on from 2-of-8 from three-point land.
Like Curry, Draymond Green and ZaZa Pachulia both had their games limited with fouls. The two combined for three points and 13 rebounds (Green had six assists).
The bench players
Jordan Bell was the first sub off the bench, coming in for Green at the six-minute mark in the first quarter. But the rookie's contribution was minimal (no points and two rebounds).
Same for Andre Iguodala, who played 29 minutes, but was held scoreless the entire game. Shawn Livingston was the most effective sub (eight points), getting extra run with Curry in foul trouble. David West and JaVale McGee each contributed four points.
Final thoughts
Coming into Memphis on the second game of a back-to-back is never easy. Steve Kerr says the team isn’t in shape, but maybe there’s some championship hangover. The team has been to three straight Finals, but so far the Warriors haven't been good this season.
