Opposition between two clearly opposed dynamics, with on one side the Pistons moving into the positive thanks to their five victories in a row, and on the other side the Warriors in full crisis after two big losses at home against the Heat and the Kings. Finally, Stephen Curry’s partners (17 points, 10 rebounds, but 5 of 21 shots) still have some resources since they won 107-104 in Detroit.
The match did not really start well for Golden State. After Buddy Hield — starting in place of Andrew Wiggins — scored on the first possession, the Warriors took a 12-2 lead. Diminished, it was through their defense that they reacted with Draymond Green always galvanized when he played on his land… Curry clumsy, the Warriors concentrated their efforts in the paint at the start of the match, to the point of registering their The first 14 points are in the racket. Opposite, Cade Cunningham behaves like a boss, whether it’s looking for the 2+1 or serving Ron Holland at 3-points to get back to two units (25-23).
After starting with 0 out of 6 from 3-point range, the Warriors finally found the target from afar, thanks to Gui Santos, Stephen Curry of course, but also Buddy Hield.
Young people like Santos and Lindy Waters III bring enthusiasm and desire to Golden State’s game. Under their leadership, the Warriors went 16-2 to lead 53-35. It’s Ausar Thompson, supported by Tobias Harris, who stops the bleeding and at the break, the Pistons are only 10 points behind (57-47).
The Warriors sweat in the last five minutes…
Returning from the locker room, Buddy Hield catches fire to score Golden State’s eight points. Result: we find these 17 points ahead (70-53). JB Bickerstaff’s timeout is good since the Pistons respond with an 11-0. Ron Holland confirms that he can hit the mark from afar, and he is imitated by Cunningham then Harris. The Warriors are tightening up on defense, and it’s Kevon Looney’s turn to run the show. At the start of the 4th quarter, the Pistons are less than 10 points (82-74), and very quickly, they return to -4…
After a clash between Dennis Schröder and the inevitable Isaiah Stewart, the Warriors revolted to sign a 10-0 and move to +18! Curry, author of six points in a row, finally manages to take control, and at five minutes, we say to ourselves that the mass is said. But the Pistons have heart, and above all the Warriors remain sick. Result, Cunningham catches fire to launch a 10-0! With 75 seconds left, the Pistons came back to four points…
Dennis Schröder answers them, then Curry and Santos throw their shots. But the Pistons can still equalize… Especially since the referees give them the ball back after a deliberately missed throw by Cunningham. There are four seconds left to equalize, and the Pistons’ system allows Malik Beasley to be found in an ideal situation to score 3-points. He misses, and the Warriors win 107-104.
-WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Warriors still diminished. Already deprived of Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Gary Payton II, the Warriors played the match without Andrew Wiggins, excused from the game for “personal reasons”.
– The Santos spark. Accustomed to shining in preseason, Gui Santos produced one of his best career matches with 13 points (4 of 6 shooting), 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 interceptions. Despite his four turnovers, his defensive impact and energy transformed the Warriors’ game from the end of the first quarter.
– End of series for Detroit. After five successes in a row, the Pistons finally defeated them. The fault lies with heavy legs in this back-to-back, but also with the Warriors’ surly defense. In the second half, it was much tougher, and the Pistons tended to lose their nerve against Schroder then Green.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
