The Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) led the Warriors in scoring takes a shot against the Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (right) on Sun Jan 10, 2021 at Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)
By Jerry Feitelberg
On a night when Stephen Curry had the worst shooting night of his illustrious career, the Warriors found a way to withstand Toronto’s furious fourth-quarter comeback to win 106-105.
In every game in which Curry scored 30 or more points, Golden State finished with a win. Curry put just 13 points on the board. The Warriors won the game with great defense and six players scoring in double figures. The bench helped out with 46 points. As the fans around the NBA know, there is more to Curry’s game than scoring. He was credited with six assists, and he pulled down nine rebounds.
The Warriors led for the first three quarters. They won the first quarter 31-24. They led 10-1 to start the game. Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, and Kelly Oubre, Jr. paced the Warrior offense.
The Warriors second unit of Eric Paschall, Brad Wanaker, and Damian Lee helped the Warriors finish the first half leading 61-49. Curry has three points in the first half. Wiggins 11, Wiseman 10, Paschall 8, and Lee 8. Pascal Siakam had 16 for the Raptors. Fred VanVleet 10, and Chris Boucher 10.
The Warriors continued to dominate play in the third quarter. They increased the lead to fifteen 87-72 and appeared to be cruising to a victory. However, in the NBA, teams have to not take things easy in the fourth and final period of play.
Eric Paschall made a bucket to put the Warriors up by seventeen. It was at this point in the game that things went south for the Warriors. Toronto went on a 21 to five-run to make it a one-point game 94-93.
Kelly Oubre connected on a three to give the Warriors some breathing room 97-93. Toronto scored the next five points to go ahead by one 98-97. They hit a three to lead by four 101-97. Curry knocked down a three to make it 101-100. Toronto answered with a bucket to lead 103-100 with 1:45 left.
Baskets by Curry and Kent Bazemore put the Warriors ahead 104-103. Toronto scored to lead 105-104 with 7.6 seconds left. Damian Lee was fouled attempting a three-pointer. Toronto coach Nick Nurse challenged the call. After the review, the referees determined that Lee was fouled before the shot.
He would not get three free throws. Since the Raptors were over the foul limit, Lee was awarded two free throws. He made both to give the Warriors the advantage 106-105 with 4.3 seconds left to play. Toronto got the ball into Pascal Siakam’s hands. His shot at the buzzer failed to go down. The Warriors held on to win 106-105.
Game Notes and stats: With the win, the Warriors improved their season record to 6-4. The Raptors fell to 2-7.
Draymond Green had his best game of the season. He just missed a triple-double. He kicked in with ten points, nine rebounds, and ten assists. Wiggins had 17, Wiseman 10, Oubre 12, Curry 11, and Eric Paschall 15. For Paschall, it was his eighth game in a row with ten or more points. Damian Lee had 13, Bazemore nine, Wanamaker 7.
The Warriors bench outscored the Raptors bench 46-25.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 25. Fred VanVleet had 21, Chris Boucher 15, and he was a force on defense with six blocked shots. Kyle Lowrey had 17, 16 of which came in the fourth period.
The Warriors finish the seven-game home stand against the Indiana Pacers Tuesday night at the Chase Center. The game will start at 7 pm.