Scenes of intense joy in San Francisco. While the Warriors struggled to regain their energy from the start of the season (12 victories in the last 15 games), their success against the western leader, Oklahoma City, has done them a lot of good. As proof, Steve Kerr was even “showered” by his players after the meeting!
“We really needed good energy” explains Stephen Curry. “We must not forget to celebrate small victories, regardless of the standards in place. It takes joy, that's for sure. »»
For members of the dynasty, which won four titles, this success in the middle of the regular season could almost appear anecdotal. But this is not the case in this complicated campaign …
It was the veterans who came to the rescue to resist the 52 points of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, while Stephen Curry (21 points at 6/15 shooting) Rebounded in the second half after having started the game very badly: 4 points at 1/7 at first half, 17 points at 5/8 after the break.
The strength of the number, new definition
Andrew Wiggins (27 points) was aggressive like never before, Kevon Looney (18 points, 4 counters) precious and Gary Payton II (15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists) decisive with the Dunk of victory over Isaiah Hartenstein.
“These guys have been there for so long. I trust them ” explains the coach. “It's just a form of continuity and familiarity that I have with them, and vice versa. This type of collective performance on the part of a certain number of players is what it takes. This is what the league has become. It is now a question of density. We no longer have the impression that it is only a question of having three superstars. It is rather to know how many very good players we can put on the field, and if they can manage collectively. This is what happened tonight. »»
For the coach, who repeated that the impact of his veterans was “The key to the match”his warriors can find the momentum of the start of the season. “What we saw at the start of the season was not a mirage. It was just difficult to play with this kind of confidence and energy. We have the feeling that we found that (tonight) ”.
To see if Golden State, always virtually outside the playoffs, and even the play-in, in 11th place in the West with 24 victories for 23 defeats, can keep this momentum. “I hope this will allow us to reverse the 'Momentum'” concludes Andrew Wiggins on what this victory can change.
