The San Antonio Spurs managed to secure a victory against a Golden State Warriors team missing the talents of Stephen Curry, ending the game with a 126-113 final score during Saturday’s NBA action.
The Spurs, revitalized by standout performances from their players, snapped a losing streak and handed the Warriors consecutive defeats for the first time since late January.
Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 22 points and 11 rebounds, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Jeremy Sochan and Malaki Branham each added 20 points, while Julian Champagnie impressed with 17 points and seven rebounds, demonstrating the depth of talent in the Spurs’ roster.
“It was very important to bring the energy from the start, especially against a team and a crowd and environment like Golden State and San Francisco,” Sochan said.
Despite the absence of Curry, Klay Thompson stepped up for the Warriors with 27 points coming off the bench. Jonathan Kuminga also made a notable effort, scoring 26 points, predominantly by attacking the basket, yet the Warriors struggled to compensate for Curry’s missing 26.9 points per game.
“The second half we tried to do our best to get back in the game,” Kuminga said, reflecting on the Warriors’ attempt to claw back into contention. “It was a little bit late.”
The Spurs showcased their shooting prowess, particularly from beyond the arc, with Champagnie making five 3-pointers and Johnson adding four, contributing to a team total of 17 for 33 from deep. This performance was a significant turnaround for a team that has struggled with 3-point shooting this season.
Golden State’s coach, Steve Kerr, expressed disappointment in the team’s performance, highlighting a lack of confidence and energy. “It was tough. We just never had any traction in the game,” Kerr stated, pointing out the challenges the Warriors faced throughout the game.
With the Warriors using their 20th different starting lineup and an update on Curry’s ankle injury showing no structural damage, the team looks to regroup for their next match. The much-anticipated rematch between the Spurs and Warriors is set for Monday in San Antonio, promising another exciting showdown.
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