Coming off a rough loss to the Sacramento Kings that ended their run in the in-season tournament on Tuesday, things got tougher for the Golden State Warriors with a string of injuries to key contributors.
Heading in Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Gary Payton II, Chris Paul and Andrew Wiggins were all ruled out. Despite being shorthanded against Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Paul George, the Warriors shorthanded rotation didn’t back down.
With a spark from Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga off the bench, the Warriors took control against the Clippers. Steph Curry led the way with 26 points on 8-of-15 shooting from the field with eight assists and seven rebounds in Golden State’s 120-114 win over Los Angeles.
Klay Thompson added 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting from the floor with six boards and two assists in 34 minutes. Golden State’s young trio of Moses Moody, Kuminga and Podziemski combined for 43 points against the Clippers.
Following the Warriors’ much-needed win over the Clippers, the NBA community on Twitter chimed in with reactions. Here’s a look at what fans and analysts were saying on Thursday night.
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Warriors get needed home win over the Clippers. Did it without Wiggins, Paul, Payton. Record: 9-10. They play the Clippers again in LA on Saturday afternoon.
Seven double digit scorers tonight
Curry 26
Klay 22
Kuminga 17
Moody 13
Draymond 13
Saric 13
Podziemski 13— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 1, 2023
Final: Warriors 120, Clippers 114
-Curry 26, 11 in the fourth
-Thompson 22, 10 in a 90-second span in the third
-Five others with at least 13
-50pct FG, 38.5 3p
-Benches: GSW 44, LAC 31— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) December 1, 2023
Lots of praise for the Warriors’ bench from Steve Kerr. He said this was Jonathan Kuminga’s best game of the season because of his lack of fouling, and also said Brandin Podziemski is a guy he’ll now look to in late-game situations because of how he reads the game
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) December 1, 2023
This is what a dynasty looks like
Appreciate each one of them. There’s a reason dynasties are rare and special. Cherish them. https://t.co/hQySYf1Mi1
— 4 of them (@Nate_moseby) December 1, 2023
11, 30, and 23 got the W on 11-30-23 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NpMCNQsNHJ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 1, 2023
A great 11.30.23
& now on to the next. pic.twitter.com/g1RmKjHMHj— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 1, 2023
Best PG of all time, argue with a doorknob if you disagree https://t.co/Y0WIE9IEpa
— The Brandalorian (@SanFrAnimal) December 1, 2023
Who impressed you the most off the bench tonight?? pic.twitter.com/bbQl1bfrKa
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 1, 2023
“Special day.”
11.30.23 ✔️ pic.twitter.com/Lcz7UWTDIH
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 1, 2023
Brandin Podziemski tonight:
— 13 PTS
— 8 REB (team high)
— 2 AST (0 TOV)
— +15 (team high)
— 50% FG
— 50% 3P
— 3 deflections
— 1 offensive foul drawnPodz was just 2 rebounds shy of his first career double-double. pic.twitter.com/oDHu8Zyz5A
— PodzMuse (@PodzMuse) December 1, 2023
Thoughts on this game:
-Great win at home, considering they are missing 3 key rotational players – depth came in handy
-Curry had a great all-around game and finally looked like the team's PG w/out mixing his minutes w/ CP – 26 points on 15 shots, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and just…— Jim Park🏀🌌 (@Sheridanblog) December 1, 2023
This is Steve’s doing really. JK also wasn’t out there with Gary who is too redundant with him offensively. Got to play in space and be utilized as a roller and cutter instead of a spot up guy https://t.co/00MSTv7VJF
— Justin (RIPKOBE) (@ThePackageJG) December 1, 2023
Final 📊
Stephen – 26p/7r/8a/1s/1b
Klay – 22p/6r/2a/1b
Jonathan – 17p/6r/3a/1s/1b
Brandin – 13p/8r/2a
Dario – 13p/5r/5a/1s
Draymond – 13p/5r/5a
Moses – 13p/3r/1a/1b
Kevon – 2p/5r/2a
Cory – 1p/2r/2a pic.twitter.com/tA4zvQqSiO— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 1, 2023
Final: Warriors 120, Clippers 114 pic.twitter.com/3qp0OM5EP9
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) December 1, 2023
Stephen – 26 PTS, 7 REB, 8 AST
Klay – 22 PTS, 6 REBSplash Brothers went to work 📽️ pic.twitter.com/i9nyBCagxf
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 1, 2023
*Entering tonight, Klay Thompson in his last five games has been a lot better:
18.8 pts, 4 rebounds, 3 assists (42.6% from 3).
Tonight, 22 points (17 in the second half), and 6 rebounds.
— Bonta Hill (@BontaHill) December 1, 2023
caption this pic.twitter.com/a26wGpU3AX
— Evan Giddings (@egiddings10) December 1, 2023
Podz, Kuminga and Moody were tremendous. Consistency will be the key, but they’ve shown too much to be on the outside of the rotation looking in. Doesn’t have to be every game. But they need to play. And the Warriors will be better for it *this* season.
— Brian Witt (@Wittnessed) December 1, 2023
Podz Kuminga and Moody huge games for the young 3 to get the old 3 a big win on their day
— Shohei Ohtani Stan Account (@AndyKHLiu) December 1, 2023
Overall, the Warriors needed this one. Bench continued their stellar play and, more importantly, only committed seven turnovers.
— Bonta Hill (@BontaHill) December 1, 2023
Klay has been really good on Kawhi tonight, as he was on KD opening night. When he's not in a speed matchup, he still holds up well.
— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) December 1, 2023
