SAN FRANCISCO — After another road loss in Phoenix, a fiery coach Steve Kerr called out the team’s lack of commitment to each other and indicated they weren’t playing for one common goal.
The Golden State Warriors changed their ways — at least for one night — Friday in their 111-101 win over the New York Knicks.
Golden State had great ball movement and energy through the first three quarters. It faded in the fourth as the Knicks came back from a double-digit deficit only for the Warriors to put the game away down the stretch.
Klay Thompson was one guy in particular who was noticeably different Friday. After trying to shoot his way out of an early-season slump Wednesday night, Thompson removed his blinders against the Knicks and didn’t force his game.
Thompson got off to a hot start, scoring 11 points in the opening quarter. In one stretch, Stephen Curry fed Thompson for back-to-back 3-pointers. Jonathan Kuminga was seen twirling near the bench before one of Thompson’s shots even fell.
The Warriors shooting guard cooled off before heating back up in the fourth when the Warriors needed him. He recorded seven of his 20 points in the final 12 minutes. Thompson shot 50% Friday night for the first time this season.
Stephen Curry didn’t go nuclear as he had done at least three times in the last week, including a 50-point gem Wednesday night in a loss to the Phoenix Suns. But the Warriors didn’t need him to.
Still, he led all scorers with 24 points and contributed six rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Andrew Wiggins also had a notably solid night, finishing with 20 points and seven rebounds.
Jordan Poole and JaMychal Green combined for 25 points off the bench.
The Knicks, who trailed by 13 points heading into the fourth, came within eight with less than six minutes left. But the Warriors quickly extinguished any momentum New York might’ve had. Curry hit a finger roll layup and then Thompson hit a 3-pointer to put the Warriors up 103-90.
Curry got a steal and was foul on a transition bucket. He split a pair of free throws. And Thompson, who played one of his best games this season, made a basket to give the Warriors’ a 16-point lead at the 4:05 mark.
The Warriors improved to 7-9 on the season, including 7-1 at Chase Center. They remain winless on the road, but their next opportunity to get their first win away from the Bay Area will come Sunday when they play in Houston against the Rockets, one of only three Western Conference teams who have a worse record.
