The Golden State Warriors defeated the Utah Jazz 123-116 in the regular-season finale, led by 25 points from Klay Thompson (six 3-pointers), and 19 points from Andrew Wiggins. The Warriors finished the regular season in 10th place in the Western Conference.
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Steve Kerr is adamant that his team still has a chance to win big in the postseason, even though they have to overcome a well-known opponent.
In the final game of the regular season, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Utah Jazz 123-116 on Sunday to secure the 10th seed in the Western Conference. Andrew Wiggins contributed 19 points, while Klay Thompson scored 25 points with six 3-pointers.
As a squad, we have excellent chemistry and a strong bond where players support one another. Thus, I feel optimistic about the future,” Kerr remarked. We may still be able to pull off something truly remarkable. Naturally, we have to get through this first weekend, win the first two, and get to the first round of the NCAA Tournament, but we have a chance, so we’re happy about that.
Golden State will travel to Sacramento on Tuesday as the No. 10 seed to play the ninth-seeded Kings in the Play-In Tournament after the Lakers defeated Portland at home and the Kings defeated Portland at home. Last year, the Warriors defeated their opponent from Northern California in a thrilling first-round playoff series, with Stephen Curry scoring 50 points in the decisive Game 7.
Wiggins stated, “It’s going to be one of those games where we have to leave it all on the floor.” “…there are no second chances—it’s win or go home.”
After boarding a bus on Monday, the Warriors will have a day to get ready for Mike Brown’s club, a former top assistant coach.
We were there last year, so it will be a terrific atmosphere, Kerr remarked. “Their supporters will be in their corner.”
If Golden State had prevailed and the Kings and Lakers had both lost, it could only have risen as high as sixth.
Kerr rested Draymond Green and Curry, whose 74 regular-season games and 2,421 total minutes are both the two-time MVP’s most since 2016-17. When both Green and Curry are absent from a game this season, the Warriors are 1-3.
“He was able to participate.” Regarding Curry, Kerr stated, “He would be playing if we had to play him.” “Given what we’re facing, it made no sense to put him out there today.”
Golden State, coming off a home loss to New Orleans on Friday night for just its second defeat in 11 games, utilized its third starting combination in three games.
Chris Paul started for Curry and finished with six points, six assists and four rebounds in 22-plus minutes.
Keyonte George scored 21 points to lead a Jazz team that went 31-51 — 10-31 on the road — and missed the playoffs for a second straight season. Utah won two of its final three games following a 13-game losing streak and stretch that featured 16 defeats in 17 games.
“We need to be rethinking everything,” second-year coach Will Hardy said.
Jonathan Kuminga had a career-high seven assists as the Warriors recorded their 36th game with 30 or more assists dishing out 35. They have won the last eight home contests against Utah and swept the four-game season series from the Jazz.
Golden State guard Gary Payton II sat out his third straight game with tightness in his left calf and his status for the coming week was unclear.
No matter the rotation, Green put it plainly explaining the next task: “We just got to go win.”
“When this team’s back is against the wall,” he said, “I like how this group shows up.”
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