San Francisco — Klay Thompson found his offensive stride quickly, even on challenging shots with a defender in his face. Thompson scored 32 points and the Golden State Warriors dominated the undermanned Utah Jazz 118-110 on Sunday night.
He was amazing,” Kerr added. “Klay’s shot-making really helped us lead.” Houston's 147-136 overtime loss to Dallas prequalified the Warriors for the four-team play-in round. Kerr said the Warriors only have to “keep trying to win,” and he feels they can have a memorable playoff run despite a difficult route.
"It'll be interesting, four games left, lots of possibilities," he remarked. Thompson looked to score from the start as Stephen Curry rested and Chris Paul started as the Warriors won their seventh game in eight. Kerr used his 26th starting lineup of the season. Curry had days off between games. His 71 games are his most since 2016-17.
Kerr said the 36-year-old two-time MVP needed it because he played the most games in a long time. “It’ll help him next week.” Reserve Johnny Juzang led the Jazz to their 12th straight loss and 15th in 16 with a career-high 27 points and seven 3s. Not since Feb. 9, 2022, have they won at Golden State. Keyonte George scored 25.
Thompson scored 25 points by halftime on 12 for 23 with six 3-pointers, his highest half of the season and first since scoring 33 against the Suns on March 13, 2023. Thompson nailed seven of his first 10 shots, including four 3s, and Golden State made 8 of 12 3s in the first quarter to lead 41-28, their third time scoring 40 or more points in the first quarter.
After six games out with tendinitis in both knees, Jonathan Kuminga scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as a reserve in his sixth straight 20-point game. That tied Sarunas Marciulionis for most Warriors starter games since 1977-78. “I was more concerned with going in there and impacting a win because a win is a win and playing my game,” Kuminga said.
In his 17th game with at least 10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, Brandin Podziemski finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, second among rookies. “We’ve just been finding ways to win right now,” Podziemski added. I think we're playing good offensively, especially sharing the ball. We're having pleasure playing together.”
Left ankle pain kept Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins out for a second straight game. Golden State has won all three games against the Jazz this season and four in a row overall. The regular season concludes next Sunday at Chase Center. The Warriors are 18-2 when they have 30 or more assists (32 Sunday) and shoot 50% or better.
Kerr said Draymond Green was fine after having his back evaluated in the locker room in the fourth quarter.
stay turned for development