Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs Golden State Warriors

It’s been 10 years since Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors won the first of 4 championships that would solidify them as an NBA dynasty, and they find themselves once again at the forefront of things. Their longtime Big 3 of Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson broke up in the offseason with Thompson’s departure in free agency, but Curry, Green and head coach Steve Kerr have Golden State atop the deep Western Conference standings as the first all-season month enters its last week. Even this late in their careers, Curry and Green remain Golden State’s focal points on offense and defense, respectively, and the rest of the team seems to have bought in. Whether they will seriously compete for the title remains to be seen, but early. they look like a team that should be in the mix.

Even with all the injuries they’ve dealt with early this season, the San Antonio Spurs managed to pick up their 8th win of the year on Thursday night in a comeback win against the Utah Jazz. San Antonio, who had a notoriously bad November last season, didn’t get their 8th win of Victor Wembanyama’s rookie year until January 20, leaving them completely out of the play-in picture by the time Christmas rolled around. Thanks to a commitment on the defensive end that has them in the top 10 in defensive efficiency and an offense led by the physical dominance of Wembanyama and the prowess of point God Chris Paul, could this be the year the Spurs return to the NBA Playoffs?

San Antonio Spurs (8-8) vs Golden State Warriors (11-3)

November 22, 2024 | 7:30 p.m. CT

See: | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spurs injuries: Jeremy Sochan, thumb (OUT), Victor Wembanyama, knee (doubtful), Devin Vassell, knee (doubtful), Keldon Johnson, hamstring strain (doubtful)

Warriors Injuries: Stephen Curry, knee (day to day), Reece Beekman (OUT)

What to watch out for

• A few months shy of his 37th birthday, it’s great to see what Stephen Curry is still doing, especially as a point guard. Just a few ticks away from a 50/40/90 shooting line 15 games in, he still strikes fear into the hearts of defenders the moment he crosses half court. He’s dealing with bursitis in one knee and played 33 minutes last night, so there’s a chance he’s not out there on what would be a SEGABABA for Golden State.
• Trayce Jackson-Davis has built on a strong rookie season by claiming Golden State’s starting center spot over Kevon Looney. The 6’9 sophomore uses his athleticism to his advantage, plays with plenty of energy, runs hard from baseline to baseline and gives the Warriors a solid scoring option inside.
• After dealing with off-court issues for parts of the last two years, Andrew Wiggins looks to be back to playing the role he filled so perfectly as Golden State won their 4th title in the Curry era . Namely, a tenacious defender who can be trusted to hit open shots and guard the opposing team’s best perimeter player. He had a 30-burger in Golden State’s win last night over the New Orleans Pelicans.

• Jonathon Kuminga’s playing time has been a bit all over the place this season. Kuminga, a dynamic athlete who has shown flashes of potential, has been Steve Kerr’s first man off the bench for most of the season. It will be interesting to see what the Warriors do with him going forward.
• Former Spur Kyle Anderson has found a new home in Golden State.

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