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Every team wants to be the one to end the Warriors' streak right now.
But so far this season, the Warriors have emerged victorious against every challenger. Monday night, the Dubs were somehow able to pull off the win despite an amazing game by a young Jazz squad. Forced into playing a slow, grinding game that limited their fastbreak and early offense opportunities, the Warriors received contributions from a variety of players, including Stephen Curry's team-leading 26 points, Draymond Green's 20-8-7 line, and Ian Clark's four three-pointers in the second quarter.
First and foremost, the Jazz played their hearts out. Because of the slow pace, the Jazz frontcourt shined: Rudy Gobert protected the rim, Derrick Favors scored inside-out, and Gordon Hayward hit jumpers all over the court. Rodney Hood and Alec Burks also created opportunities to score. Jazz fans have to be happy with their young core and how much it's grown within the last few years.
The hero for the Warriors this game was Draymond Green. He plays at just a higher energy level than almost every player in the league, and showcased all facets of his game today: his passing, rebounding, and finishing today were on point. Combined with his two triple-doubles against the Suns and Kings, Dray's had himself quite a dominant week. Honorable mention goes to Ian Clark, who hit four three-pointers in the second quarter to give the Warriors' bench unit just enough scoring. Without Harrison Barnes and the Small Ball Death Squad, the Warriors need as much help as they can get from their supporting cast.
The Takes
This is basically my column from last Tuesday, in condensed form. https://t.co/uSHsRJRmEg
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) December 1, 2015
Warriors call it "next man up mentality". Harrison Barnes goes down & Brandon Rush goes for 16 last game. Tonight Ian Clark has 12 at half!
— Rosalyn Gold-Onwude (@ROSGO21) December 1, 2015
Biggest rebound of the game, Draymond got the box out on Favors then went and got the ball over Gobert. Ridiculous.
— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) December 1, 2015
Because he'd still go for it even if it was in a whirring garbage disposal https://t.co/cChkiQAMGq
— Ethan Strauss (@SherwoodStrauss) December 1, 2015
The Warriors ability to come up with whatever they need is the mark of a really great team. Need that 3? Curry’s got you. Need a stop? Yes.
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) December 1, 2015
The Clips
What a find from Draymond Green! (CSNBA) https://t.co/OUlWeXx3bd
— Golden St. Warriors (@warriors) December 1, 2015
WHAT IS THIS PASS BY STEPH https://t.co/oanOSugSSb
— Rob Perez (@World_Wide_Wob) December 1, 2015
There's The Intangible, Draymond. Green. https://t.co/3ZmZqXpTZb
— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) December 1, 2015
Can you say #clutch? @StephenCurry30's late game heroics... #SPLASH! https://t.co/1bkQPKHhS8
— Golden St. Warriors (@warriors) December 1, 2015
Closing Thoughts
- Shaun Livingston hit a corner three!
- Luke Walton's problems with rotations are exacerbated by Harrison Barnes' injury. Most glaringly, the Warriors can't turn to the ultra-small lineup they've been relying on in crunch time this season. In Barnes' stead, they relied on Ezeli tonight to match up against the giant Gobert.
- Getting points from the bench squad is inconsistent, to say the least. Brandon Rush (technically not a bench player, but close enough) hit some shots against the Kings on Saturday, and Ian Clark had 12 points today in the second quarter. Somebody will have to step up every game.
- I want to see as little of Marreese Speights at the 4 as possible, but he may be our best option off the bench. If this ends our streak...
- The Jazz are a point guard away from being a scary, scary team. Yes, they weren't expecting Dante Exum to tear his ACL, but almost anybody is better than the Raul Neto-Trey Burke tandem. Make a trade, Jazz.
- 19-0!
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