After a moving tribute to celebrate the memory of Dejan Milojevic, the Warriors assistant who died last Wednesday, Golden State took a few minutes before entering its match. The entry of Draymond Green (12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists) and Jonathan Kuminga (25 points on 11/11 shooting, 9 rebounds) awakened a defense that was even moribund.
The Hawks missed 16 of their last 21 shots in the first quarter and the Warriors took advantage to win 16-6 (41-31). Led by Patty Mills (13 points) who reminds us of his best years in the Spurs jersey, and Jalen Johnson (21 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists), Atlanta picks up the score (54-54) . Kerr then launched the trio Green – Wiggins – Kuminga alongside the Splash Brothers. the Warriors immediately regained a 9-point lead but two last catastrophic possessions from Stephen Curry allowed Atlanta to get back on track (69-68).
An exceptional Kuminga
Thanks to the offensive rebounding activity of Clint Capela (11 points, 11 rebounds), DeJounte Murray (23 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists) and Bogan Bogdanovic (17 points) put the Hawks ahead in the score (78-74). The Warriors then raise their voice in defense. They limit Atlanta to 9 points in 7 minutes and the awakening of Stephen Curry (25 points, 8 assists), author of 9 points, allows them to take ten steps ahead (97-87).
Nine points from Jonathan Kuminga, aggressive towards the circle, at the start of the last quarter pushes the gap to +16 (116-100), and the Warriors finish freewheeling to achieve a convincing victory which they dedicate to Dejan Milojevic.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Warriors' tribute to Dejan “Deki” Milojevic. For about ten minutes before the match, the Warriors celebrated the memory of their assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. The ceremony began with a video, followed by a moving speech from Steve Kerr which he ended by asking for a standing ovation for “Deki” rather than a moment of silence. Under the eyes of the deceased's wife and children, the Golden State players one by one placed their jerseys with their coach's name printed on the back on their usual seat, before paying their respects one last time.
– Draymond Green leaves his mark on the game. For his first game at Chase Center since his suspension, Green came off the bench again but he should quickly take his starting place as he was essential last night. If his stat line is not obvious, Green has resumed his place as conductor of the attack and captain of the defense. In 23 minutes of play, he finished with a +/- of +19. His return also allows Steve Kerr to line him up as a pivot alongside Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga, excellent this evening, and the Splash Brothers. A five that we should see more often as he was productive defensively and allowed the Warriors to play quickly on the other side.
– Trae Young still absent, Jalen Johnson still performing. Victim of a concussion against the Cavs on Sunday, the All Star leader of the Hawks missed his second game in a row last night. He will have to go through a battery of tests before being able to leave the NBA protocol and return to the floor. In his absence, Jalen Johnson continues to show how indispensable he has become for Atlanta. The winger finished the game with 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, using his wingspan and reading of the game to take Golden State's defense from behind.
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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.
