The Golden State Warriors entered their meeting with the San Antonio Spurs carrying the weight of a bruising loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and the frustration of a long road slump.
As the team prepared for its first look at Victor Wembanyama on this road trip, head coach Steve Kerr signaled before tipoff that notable changes were coming to the rotation, a reflection of Golden State’s urgency to reclaim a sense of direction.
Kerr followed through by elevating Moses Moody and rookie Will Richard into the starting lineup and moving Jonathan Kuminga and Quinten Post to reserve roles.
It was a substantial alteration for a team seeking stability, and the decision immediately reshaped the energy on the floor. Golden State played with greater pace, sharper cuts, and renewed defensive focus, ingredients that had been missing during a difficult two-week stretch.
The reward came in the form of a 125-120 victory that halted a six-game road losing streak and offered a reminder of what this roster can look like when it leans into its strengths.
“We needed to rediscover our identity,” Kerr said after the game when asked about the thought process behind the new starting lineup. “The ball movement right away, even though we scored 14 points in the first quarter, I liked the process. The ball was moving, everybody was sprinting into ball screens, spreading the floor, getting to our spots in transition, competing defensively. It just felt like our team out there.”
Stephen Curry once again carried the Warriors with a performance that showcased his enduring brilliance. The veteran guard poured in 46 points on an efficient shooting night, steadying a group that has struggled to maintain consistency away from home. His presence helped Golden State counter a remarkable effort from Wembanyama, who finished with a 31-point, 15-rebound, 10-assist triple-double.
The Spurs also benefited from a composed showing from Jimmy Butler, whose 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists gave San Antonio balance in key stretches. Moody added important support by hitting 5 of his 10 attempts from long range, helping the Warriors match the size and athleticism of a younger opponent.
Curry dominates the third quarter and pushes Warriors across the finish line
With the game slipping away at halftime, Golden State found its rhythm in the third quarter. Curry delivered 22 points in the period, triggering a 43-point outburst that swung the momentum firmly in the Warriors‘ direction.
He noted later that his early shots lacked lift, and after recognizing the issue, he made adjustments that allowed him to take over the game. The eruption marked his 43rd performance with at least 40 points after turning 30, putting him within reach of Michael Jordan‘s celebrated total of 44.
Kerr emphasized after the game just how much Curry continues to anchor the Warriors‘ identity and competitive spirit.
“When you have the privilege of watching Steph for 11+ years like I have, you get used to this,” Kerr said post-game. “He’s the reason this whole thing has happened. He’s our Tim Duncan– he’s the sun in our solar system. And he’s just such an incredible player and teammate, and great to see him out there [after missing three games].”
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