Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) goes for the jump shot against the Detroit Pistons guard Corey Joseph (18) at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Jan 18, 2022 (AP News photo)
Warriors Back On Track With Win Over Pistons 102-86
By Barbara Mason
After a most discouraging four game road trip, the Golden State Warriors (32-12) are back home for a seven game home stand. The Warriors lost three of the four games they played on this road trip. They lost to the Timberwolves, the Bucks and the Grizzlies: the only win being a punishing victory over the Bulls 138-96. Well they got another win punishing the Detroit Pistons (10-33) on Tuesday night at the Chase Center in San Francisco 102-86.
There is a lot of good news for the Warriors in tonight’s game. Of course being home is a plus, but the team will also have not only Stephen Curry back on the court but also Gary Payton II.
Payton’s status was upgraded from questionable to probable. He shared duties off the bench with Jordan Poole for extended minutes. The prediction for this game gives the Pistons less than a ten percent chance to win the game.
In the absence of Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga got the chance to start in this game tonight. He has earned it and will now get the experience of starting with Curry and Klay Thompson. He needed to continue to run the floor and keep it simple. He has been playing at a very high level and hopes to continue at the same pace against the Pistons.
After one quarter the Warriors had established a nice lead 33-22. They were shooting at 52% and had knocked down 6 of 10 from downtown. Andrew Wiggins had 9 points and Kevon Looney already had 8 rebounds in 9 minutes of play.
At the the half the Warriors led 66-38. The splash brothers had combined for 31 points, 21 of them from downtown. Thompson had a new high in a half with 17 points since returning to action. The Pistons Isaiah Stewart shot for 14 shots but his team just could not keep up with the Warriors. The ball movement, the three’s, the efficiency, and ball control were all working for Golden State.
Although the Pistons made a move in the second half it was too little too late. This game was all but finished at half time. The Warriors had built a tremendous lead that was insurmountable. The final was 102-86. The Warriors had won their 19th home game of the season.
Kuminga had his first double double of his career in this game. He finished with 10 rebounds and 12 points. Thompson had his best game yet since his return finishing with 21 points. Thompson certainly looks nothing like a player that has missed two plus years of basketball. It is nothing short of amazing. It was great to see the splash brothers back in action again. All in all the entire roster had a nice game after a tough stretch last week.
Thursday night the Warriors will play the Indiana Pacers in their only meeting at Chase. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM
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