What we learned as Warriors survive near-collapse in OT win vs. Rockets

What we learned as Warriors survive near-collapse in OT win vs. Rockets originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

BOX SCORE

After blasting off from the opening tip and taking a 28-point lead into the second half, the Warriors staggered down the stretch and gave it all back to the Houston Rockets.

Fortunately, for the Warriors, there was a chance to regain their bearings in overtime and come away with a pulsating 127-121 overtime victory Saturday night at Toyota Center in Houston.

With Draymond Green and Brandin Podziemski both fouled out, the Warriors managed to outscore Houston 8-2 in OT, with Jonathan Kuminga accounting for six of the points.

Five Warriors scored in double figures, led by 27 points from Buddy Hield. Kuminga finished with 23, Andrew Wiggins 15, Green 14 and Podziemski 12.

With their third consecutive win, the Warriors moved to 5-1 and 3-0 on the road during the young 2024-25 NBA season.

Here are three takeaways from a game Golden State surely must consider one from which lessons should be learned:

A Tale Of Two Halves

After dominating the first half in every conceivably way, the Warriors flatlined in the second half. The defense snoozed and the offense went comatose – as in two points in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter.

The Rockets deserve credit. They cranked up their defensive energy after intermission and held the Warriors to 36.4-percent shooting from the field, including 3 of 11 beyond the arc in the second half. The Warriors suddenly looked disoriented on offense, too often lapsing into isolation.

Houston also punctured Golden State’s defense in ways not seen this season. How? Mostly by going small and hotwiring energy in the paint. Making shots allowed the Rockets to defend Golden State’s halfcourt offense – which, without Stephen Curry, is a profound weakness.

The Warriors are optimistic that Curry, who practiced on Friday, can return Monday when they face the Wizards in Washington. Know that the welcome back will be warm. Very warm.

Kuminga Saves The Day

The Warriors have been waiting for a breakout game from Kuminga – and got it when they absolutely needed it.

Green fouled…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/learned-warriors-survive-near-collapse-033427513.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-11-03 03:34:00

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