Warriors blow out Pacers… no convincing

Criticized would Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler after the loss to Denver, the Warriors started this game against the Pacers with more enthusiasm. Despite Stephen Curry’s absence, Quinten Post’s skill and aggressive defense allow Golden State to build an early gap (15-6). The Dubs, however, went more than five minutes without a single basket, and point guard Monte Morris (8 points, 4 assists) led 10-0 and revived Indiana. It took an all-out effort from Jimmy Butler to keep the Warriors ahead after one quarter (23-21).

Despite the absence of Tyrese Halliburton, Pascal Siakam, Aaron Nesmith, Obie Taupin and TJ McConnell, the Pacers continue to hold their own at the rim. Interiors Isaiah Jackson (12 points), Jai Huff (12 points, 11 rebounds) and Tony Bradley (6 points, 6 rebounds) use their size to prevent Golden State from running away (37-36).

Jimmy Butler takes control

Painstakingly, the Warriors still managed to inflict 11-0 on their opponent, especially thanks to Jimmy Butler’s circular attacks (48-36). Jerash Walker’s three-pointer (12 points) before the break, however, limits the damage for Indiana (48-41).

Andrew Nembhard (14 points, 5/16 shooting, 9 assists), who was returning from an injury against Denver the day before, sets up a goal to start the third quarter. He scores two winning shots, Jay Huff imitates him and the Pacers take the lead (60-59). In a match where there is no skill, there were two triples by Al Horford (12 points, 4 rebounds) and Moses Moody (13 points) with a foul that allowed the Warriors to end the period with a 10-0 score (75-65).

Jimmy Butler, omnipresent in the third quarter, started the final period with a fifth assist and a dunk on the counterattack to put Indiana’s back against the wall (79-65). With Butler on the bench, Brandin Podziemski (14 points, 6 rebounds) and rookie Will Richard (15 points) take over and increase the deficit by over twenty points (99-78). It’s a feat that’s been going well for Steve Kerr’s men before they’ve played six away games, including the first three in Oklahoma City and two in San Antonio.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Jimmy Butler carries the Warriors on his shoulders. In a game without skill (43%, 27% on threes, 70% on free throws) and without much intensity, the Warriors needed an aggressive Jimmy Butler to beat the Pacers who are still without many players. Especially in the third quarter and early in the fourth, Butler took control, attacking Indiana’s defense relentlessly. He took three-yard shots and assisted Al Horford and Moses Moody to allow his team to create a hole. The only downside to his picture is his 1/4 free throws!

– Trigger for Al Horford? Recruited by the Warriors for his defensive ability and skill on the outside, Al Horford struggled to adjust his sights through the first ten games of the season. The Pivot was actually 5/24 on 3-pointers, despite numerous open shots. He finally showed some success on the night, finishing 4/6 from long range, including three on assists from Jimmy Butler. The former Celtic man must now confirm.

– The ordeal for Indiana continues. Already without Tyrese Halliburton, TJ McConnell, Obi Taupin and Benedict Maturin, the Pacers also had to go without Aaron Nesmith injured the day before against Denver and Pascal Siakam who went to rest against Golden State. Consistently, they continued to defend well despite their lack of skill (34% shooting, 28% 3-pointers) before exploding late in the third quarter. Siakam, Nesmith and McConnell, however, should return in the next matches.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.