Finally a trigger for the Warriors?

On the verge of a nervous breakdown for two weeks, the Warriors delivered perhaps their most successful performance on Christmas Eve. Against the MavericksStephen Curry’s teammates won 126-116, led by a 71-point first half, a true demonstration of this basketball on the move that has led them to the title four times in ten years.

“We’ve always been a team based on ball movement”, Steve Kerr recalled after the third consecutive victory, a record this season. “Steph is incredibly efficient without the ball, and Jimmy likes to pass. Jimmy prefers the assist to the basket. We saw it tonight: 9 assists, 14 points. That’s the kind of matchup he likes. And Draymond remains an exceptional passer.”

Only 6 points conceded on turnovers

The numbers back up this visual impression as the Warriors racked up 33 assists, their best total in two months and one shy of their season high.

A striking contrast with 21 passes on average in the previous three matches and 22.5 in the last ten. Six players shared at least three passes, eleven players who entered the game all scored.

Coincidence or not, this movement and passing basketball also resulted in a low number of points conceded due to turnovers: 6!

“Everything went well tonight”Jimmy Butler confirmed. “We moved the ball around at an incredible pace, we found players unmarked. Sometimes we can seem too altruistic, because we refuse lay-ups – myself included – but we like to see others shine. That’s the problem of rich people. »

The interior answers the call

Ideally before leaving for the “trip” to the East, and it is worth pointing out the good return of Al Horford. It allows the Warriors to play bigger and protect the paint better.

“We finish this visit at home with a score of 3-0. There may have been a bit of turbulence, but we are back on track above 50% wins. All in all, I am happy with the situation.” concludes Steve Kerr. “We’re in a good phase. We’ve got a rotation, we’re healthy. Al’s return today was huge, especially his ability in the first half to create a gap. All our interiors are playing well. Quinton Post doesn’t shoot very well, but he plays defense really well. Trace does the same thing: defend, counter. And then Al comes back… And then Al comes back… All of a sudden we have a few options to play, if we have the right presence. I really like the way we play, now we have to go on the road and move on.