SAN FRANCISCO –
The Golden State Warriors are taking part in dominant basketball for stretches, then struggling to defend throughout others.
Stephen Curry scored 28 of his 33 factors throughout an 89-point first half, and the defending champions beat former high assistant Mike Brown and his Sacramento Kings 130-125 on Sunday evening.
Curry, who recorded his third straight 30-point efficiency to start out the season, scored 21 factors within the second quarter with 5 3-pointers and shot 11 for 22 general, together with 7 of 12 on 3s. The reigning NBA Finals MVP helped Golden State to its third-most factors in any half in franchise historical past and second-most in a primary half. The Warriors’ 50 factors within the second quarter have been a franchise report and matched the third-most factors in any interval.
“It was enjoyable, 89 factors within the first half, that is insane,” Jordan Poole mentioned.
Curry has three straight 30-point video games to start out a season for the second time in his profession, additionally executed in 2018-19.
Sacramento lower a 26-point deficit all the way down to 4 on Chimezie Metu’s dunk with 1:04 left earlier than Golden State held on.
“We performed at instances brilliantly and we could not maintain it,” coach Steve Kerr mentioned. “It was nearer than it ought to have been, however I give Sacramento numerous credit score. Mike’s doing a terrific job with these guys. They’re preventing, they’re competing. They’ve had three shut losses now to start out the yr. … We let our guard down they usually took benefit of it.”
Andrew Wiggins added 24 factors with a driving slam to beat the ultimate buzzer and Poole additionally scored 24 as the Warriors shot 51.7%. Klay Thompson was held to eight factors on 3-for-10 taking pictures.
De’Aaron Fox scored 26 after two 30-point video games and Domantas Sabonis contributed 19 factors and 14 rebounds, however did not play within the fourth for winless Sacramento (0-3) within the second evening of a back-to-back. The Kings, who misplaced 111-109 at dwelling to the Clippers on Saturday evening, tried 100 pictures Sunday and their three defeats have been determined by 14 complete factors.
“We cannot hand over 50 factors within the second quarter, or no quarters,” guard Malik Monk mentioned. “It’s onerous to win an NBA game like that.”
Brown, in his first yr as Kings coach, acquired his championship ring from Kerr in a pregame ceremony on the court docket together with Sacramento assistant Leandro Barbosa, who additionally was a part of the Warriors’ fourth title in eight years.
BROWN’S RETURN
Brown got here down the hallway from the visiting locker room and snuck up on Kerr, then they chuckled and hugged.
The 52-year-old Brown stuffed in for Kerr for 3 playoff video games final spring when Golden State’s coach had COVID-19. Brown additionally went 11-0 guiding the Warriors by postseason video games throughout the staff’s 2017 title run whereas Kerr was out coping with debilitating signs stemming from problems of again surgical procedure. Kerr returned for Game 2 of the NBA Finals that yr.
“Mike is sensible. He’s simply received a lot vitality, a lot love for the game, love for his job, for his work,” Kerr mentioned. “He brings his enthusiasm each single day and that is what we loved a lot during the last 5, six years, nevertheless lengthy he was right here, and he and I have been actually an ideal pair. He type of lined up for my weaknesses and complemented me rather well. I simply beloved being round him. Thrilled for him. It’s a terrific alternative.”
TIP-INS
Kings: An evening after making simply 15 of 26 free throws, the Kings went 20 for 25 from the road. … Sacramento began 1 for 8 on 3s and wound up 11 for 43. … Sacramento dedicated 46 fouls its first two video games, then 29 extra Sunday.
Warriors: G Donte DiVincenzo injured a hamstring and will not journey to Phoenix. He might be re-evaluated later within the week. … The Warriors have seven 50-point quarters. The franchise report for a half is 92 factors on Oct. 29, 2018, at Chicago …. F Andre Iguodala missed his third straight game to start out the season as the Warriors keep cautious together with his nagging left hip.
UP NEXT
Kings: Host Memphis on Thursday.
Warriors: Visit the Suns on Tuesday.