Spurs down Warriors as Harris comes alive, Curry misses late: 109-118.
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| For this rivalry, nothing has changed. |
The Spurs led 29-25 after quarter one, trouncing the Warriors in the second which forced Coach Kerr to burn two timeouts to stop the bleeding (San Antone led by as many as 18). It worked, and things got cooking real good in the second half. With Avery Bradley (8 points, 4 steals) in his grill, Steph Curry splashed in a 3PTer that gave Golden State a momentary lead, its only to be had in the game as the Spurs quickly regained control, albeit within Golden State's range to upset the home team. Bradley's competitive fire was on display, hounding Curry into a couple of turnovers and being aggressive on the scoring end. Joe Harris had a hot night to finish with 18 points, splashing in six daggers in the clutch with 3 steals. Taurean Prince's hustle continues to shine, scoring 21 points and 7 rebounds on the night.
The scare of the night came during a sloppy sequence of basketball by both teams, as the Spurs lost the ball back to the Warriors, the rock finding Curry for a would-be game-changing 3PTer as the Warriors trailed only by four at that point. The Spurs faithful collectively shook heads and held its breath, hoping it would go awry, and it did if only just barely. The intentional foul strategy ensued, as Dejounte Murray (16 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists) put the game on ice.
The Rest: Brandon Ingram did not drop 28 again, but did look confident on the scoring end, swiping the ball loose from Curry and dunking the ball past Willey Cauley-Stein for 13 points and 2 steals. Curry finished with 16 points and 11 assists, but did not shoot too well, despite nearly pulling off the upset as Golden State won the third quarter, only down 86-87 entering the final period.
Highlights: Dragan Bender ran off a great pick for a big slam and splashed in a mid range jumper by popping out on another screen for 8 points, 1 steal & 1 block. P.J. Tucker hit two impressive 3PT shots for 10 points, and Taurean Prince chased down Draymond Green in a mostly clean flash bulb-worthy block on a dunk attempt that just narrowly drew the whistle, as Green fell hard to the floor losing his balance. These kind of hustle-and-heart plays proved to be the difference, as that wild exchange came during a 91-91 stalemate midway through the final period. Timofey Mosgov notched 8 points and 7 rebounds, getting 2 blocks. Omri Casspi continues to excel off the bench as a stretch four, hitting two three-pointers and J.R. Smith splashed in a deep three after blocking Draymond Green on the other end (giving the Spurs a 34-52 advantage).
Turning Point & the Scare:
Joe Harris hit a 3PTer with the lead only at three, pushing it to six with one minute left in regulation. A clutch rebound by Mosgov would follow after Harris misfired next, putting the ball in for the 6-pt cushion once more, .44s remaining. Up 110-114 with 37s left to go, Mosgov's inbound pass to Murray was deflected by Curry, the ball finding its way there eventually for Curry's bold 3PT shot. Avery Bradley caught the rare miss, dished it to Harris, who tried to find Ingram streaking down court for a put-away dunk on the fast break, but Draymond Green got his hands on the pass, seizing control over the ball, dishing it back to an open Curry under the basket, were it not for Harris redeeming himself and deflecting it out of bounds. Russell would pass up the open corner 3PTer, drive in for the easy jumper, but the ball fell short. The Spurs move to 8-0 on the season.