Stephen Curry (46 points) surpassed the Wembanyama-Castle triple-double duo

With a “new-look” starting five with Moses Moody (19 points) and Will Richard replacing Quinten Post and Jonathan Cumminga, the Warriors looked to redeem themselves from their no game from the previous day against the Thunder. However, Victor Vembanyama’s teammates (31 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists) took the lead thanks to the long-range skills of Harrison Barnes and Devin Vassell (19-11).

The Wemby-Castle duo starts off strong

While Stephon Castle (23 points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds) is scoring seven straight points, San Antonio’s defense is what is hurting Golden State. Facing the scarecrow WembyThe Warriors made 18 of their 22 3-point shots in the first quarter, making just four. They remained silent in the last five minutes of the first quarter to get to -14 (28-14).

Vembanjama started the second half with nine points in a row, but the skill of Moses Moody, the author of three winning shots, allowed the Warriors to stay in ambush (46-38). Stephon Castle then takes matters into his own hands: attacks the racket and sends Luke Cornet (12 points) into the alley three times, then finishes in the circle and brings the Spurs to +16 (56-40).

Stephen Curry caught fire

Almost knockout, the Dubs react in the best way. Their defense overcame San Antonio in the last three minutes of the half, and the duo of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler brought them back under ten units (56-49).

The two stars start the third quarter with the same energy. Two triples by Curry and one by Butler brought the Warriors back into the game (63-60). Wemby and Castle have more difficulties against Draymond Green and Golden State’s defense is suddenly much more rigorous, and 22 points in the period from Stephen Curry on the nine point even gives them the advantage (74-73)! Steve Kerr then decides to let his star hit, and Jimmy Butler takes the lead with a 12-2 run that makes the Warriors +10 (92-82).

Wemby tries everything for everything

It is Victor Vembanyama who wakes up Spurs. He went on a 7-0 run that put the pressure on Golden State, but the two teams surrendered blow for blow. Al Horford and Will Richard hit from long range, Wemby and Harrison Barnes as well. As De’Aaron Fox passes, Curry and Brandin Podziemski keep the Warriors in check (107-99).

As Stephen Curry crosses the 40-point mark, Wemby then puts all his energy into fighting to bring his team back. Three-pointers, blocks, assists, offensive rebounds, baskets in the racket… The Frenchman shows his full range to keep the Spurs in the game at three minutes of play (112-108). With the entire defense centered on Curry, Jimmy Butler on his own 3-pointer and Gary Payton II on his own in the circle punish San Antonio to regain a nine-point lead and post their best win of the season. We’ll find the two teams face off on Friday night for the NBA Cup.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler as the leader of the pack. Despite his 5/16 3-point shooting, Stephen Curry finished the game shooting over 50%. Like his team, he abused his long-range shooting early in the match before choosing to attack the Spurs defense (8/9 on 2-pointers, 15/16 on free throws). He scored 22 of his 44 points in the third quarter to turn the tide. Jimmy Butler made him a sort of Stephen Curry. He finished the match on 5/7 from distance and was excellent in creation. Special mention goes to Mozes Moody who had a full game as a starter.

– The dazzling potential of Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. Two triple-doubles despite the loss, two young Spurs will terrorize the NBA for many years. They form the two-gear machine that powers San Antonio. They dominated their subject in the first half, before both fell behind in the third quarter. Wemby scored 14 of his 31 points in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough. Well defended by Draymond Green, the Frenchman also lost eight balls.

– De’Aaron Fox and Jonathan Kuminga transparent. For just his third game of the season, Fox was never able to find his rhythm or his place in the Spurs offense. He turned out to be very bad (13 points on 5/14 shots and 6 turnovers) and a reaction is expected in the next match. For Jonathan Cumminga, the situation is different. Excellent during the first matches of the season, he has been in freefall for three weeks. He lost his starting spot last night and was a shadow of himself in the first half. Shy and indecisive, Steve Kerr preferred Gary Peyton II in the second half and the coach’s decision proved correct as GP2 was useful after the break. Let’s see how Kuminga reacts on Friday and at the end of Golden State’s road trip. The JK saga continues.

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=71vrJTbkb7v

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; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.