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As the third matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns was approaching, fans were anticipating for both franchises to be at full strength. However, the Warriors were undermanned as they were still missing several key pieces in Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, Andre Iguodala, and James Wiseman.
Phoenix was favored to win this matchup because it was at their home court, and they had a complete lineup. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green led the Warriors to a hot start in the first period, but the methodical and brilliant play of the Suns put themselves back in the ball game. Curry cooled down a bit as he just shot 10 out of 27 from the field over the duration of the game.
Curry still ended up with 33 points, his four straight with 30 or more points. He added four rebounds, six assists, three steals, and one block to round out his phenomenal stat line. This is Curry's best Christmas Day game of his career, but the vital reason to their statement win was their role players. Gary Payton was in the first unit for the second straight match, and he tallied 14 points and eight rebounds in 30 minutes of play.
Payton continues to earn Steve Kerr's trust as it looks like he would still get minutes in playoff time because of his defensive prowess and timely three-point shooting. Otto Porter Jr. started in the place of Wiggins and he was the catalyst in the final minutes of the Warriors run as he scored a total of 19 points. His ability to space the floor along with Nemanja Bjelica proves that Bob Myers worked his magic once again by adding two tremendous shooters off their bench.
The major issue with Golden State last season was surrounding Curry with long range shooters that would constantly be a legitimate threat every night. Myers addressed it right away as defenses are even having more of a difficult time defending them this year because of the floor spacing. Moreover, Jonathan Kuminga and Bjelica also produced double figure outputs in the well-balanced performance for the Dubs.
In a day where the Warriors lacked depth, they still won the game because of their role players. Kuminga's defense on Chris Paul and Quinndary Weatherspoon's energy in sticking to Devin Booker were two of the underrated factors that propelled Golden State to a victory. This is just another day in the office where the Warriors how they are the best defensive team in the association.
It was uncharacteristic for Booker to struggle from the field as he only shot 5 out of 19 from the field due to the remarkable defense of Payton and Kuminga. Paul, Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges tallied their usual numbers, but they were ironically missing in clutch time. Phoenix is usually cool, calm, and collected as the best clutch team in the league, but it was the Porter Jr. show with his two clutch mid-range shots and impeccable shot from behind the arc.
The numbers were basically even offensively and defensively for both teams, but it was just in the final minutes that decided the outcome of this nip-and-tuck affair. The late-game execution of the Warriors proved that veteran experience along with the defensive versatility will be instrumental come playoff time. Additionally, the best part of the Warriors win was their valuable contributions from every player that was inserted by Kerr.
The cliche “next man up” is overused in basketball lingo, but Kerr is one coach that clearly imparts the enormous importance of Strength in Numbers. As the Warriors will gladly welcome the return of their other players in the next few games, they will continue being a force to be reckoned with until playoff time. There is little doubt that they would reach the Western Conference Finals at the very least. After this impeccable win over the Suns, it would be difficult to argue that the Warriors is the clear favorite with for another ring, especially when Thompson suits up for the first time in two years.
Golden State is back, and the 29 other teams must be terrified.
