In a season marked by challenges, the Golden State Warriors secured a gritty 109-98 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. Despite a sluggish start, the Warriors showcased their resilience, led by Stephen Curry’s 29 points and Jonathan Kuminga’s impressive 28.
A Rocky Start
The game began with the Warriors looking flat, a stark contrast to their previous outing. Coming off an exhausting overtime loss to Atlanta, where Curry netted 60 points and made 10 three-pointers, the team struggled early. Golden State converted only 2 of 11 attempts from beyond the arc and committed 10 turnovers, leading to 15 points for the Nets. They managed just 43 points in the first half, trailing 49-43 at halftime.
Second Half Turnaround
However, the Warriors came alive in the second half, outscoring Brooklyn 66-49. Despite hitting just 4 of 22 three-point attempts throughout the game—entirely from Curry—they adjusted their strategy and controlled the boards, finishing with a dominant 60-38 rebounding advantage. “It was ugly on both sides, but we made the right adjustments and took control,” Curry remarked after the game.
Kuminga, who has been on a scoring streak, recorded his ninth 20-point game in the last 10 outings, adding 10 rebounds to his tally. Draymond Green contributed with 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, helping the Warriors capitalize on second-chance opportunities, with a 23-7 edge in that category.
Nets Struggle to Find Rhythm
The Nets, who had recently shown offensive prowess with high-scoring games, struggled to find their rhythm against the Warriors’ defense. Cam Thomas, despite leading the Nets with 18 points, had an off night shooting 4 for 21. Mikal Bridges and Spencer Dinwiddie also had disappointing performances, combining for just 8 of 27 shooting.
Nets coach Jacque Vaughn acknowledged his team’s rebounding woes, stating, “If we took care of the rebound piece, we could have changed the game. We need multiple bodies to participate.”
Key Moments
Brooklyn initially led 23-20 at the end of the first quarter, capitalizing on the Warriors’ turnovers. However, the Warriors’ intensity ramped up in the second half, with Kuminga throwing down two dunks on Golden State’s first possessions of the third quarter, setting the tone for a comeback. The Warriors surged ahead with a 32-21 third quarter, taking a 75-70 lead into the final frame.
With just over three minutes left in the game, the Nets cut the deficit to four points. But Kuminga quickly answered with four consecutive points, followed by Curry adding five more, sealing the game for Golden State.
While the win may not have been pretty, it exemplified the Warriors’ tenacity and ability to adjust under pressure. As they navigate a challenging season, every victory counts, especially ones that showcase their potential when they rally together. The Warriors will look to build on this momentum as they continue their quest for consistency in the coming games.
