The Golden State Warriors were reminded of their current place in the NBA’s hierarchy with a spirited but ultimately failed effort to stop the battle-tested San Antonio Spurs, as the invaders from Texas silenced the Chase Center with a 127-110 victory.
The Warriors were led by D’Angelo Russell’s 30 points, but he was outshined by the devastating work by Patty Mills who drilled the Dubs for 31 points with six made three-pointers.
This game was lost on rebounds, as San Antonio outboarded the Dubs 51-39, including a +9 advantage on the offensive glass.
First Half
Russell came out of the gate firing, knocking down 5-of-10 shots in the first quarter for 14 points. He operated out of pick-and-roll sets and methodically probed the defense...or just jacked from 28 feet.
The Warriors competed with intensity and finished the first quarter down 29-28, quite an achievement considering how they’ve been blown out immediately in a few games this season.
Mills took over for the Spurs and began punishing the Warriors guards with gusto.
But the Dubs were undaunted, and kept the pace up while protecting the ball. They had only four turnovers in the first half, while moving the ball for 13 assists.
Russell finished the half as the high scorer with 19 points and 4 assists, while Mills paced him with 16 points of his own. The Warriors outshot the Spurs 44% to 39% as well after two quarters, but the Spurs were still ahead by doubling Golden States output at the charity stripe with 12 made free throws to the Warriors’ 6.
Nice half for the experimental Warriors. Steve Kerr tried a zone, used all 11 of his available players, including three centers and two 2-way guys. More high screens. D'Angelo Russell scored 19. Draymond Green hit two 3s. They defended...decently. Only trail Spurs 57-55.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 2, 2019
Spurs 58, Warriors 57
Second Half
All the good vibes were crushed in the third, as the Spurs exploded in the third quarter with 40 points. After three quarters, the Spurs held a 21-6 advantage in second chance points. YIKES.
San Antonio controlled the Warriors from there to get the final score.
It’s clear that the Warriors can get buckets in spurts...but can they defend? Right now the answer is no, but the season is young and there is much time to correct mistakes.
D'Angelo Russell has his first 30-point game as a Warrior (22nd career 30-point game) with a season-high 30 points to go along with eight assists in 29 minutes.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) November 2, 2019
Good first half, but we all know the days of the Warriors needing only a half to win a game are in the rear view mirror.