Warriors dismember injury-riddled Spurs
SAN ANTONIO – Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry are already thinking about Golden State’s postseason possibilities.
The Warriors’ slow start could be a byproduct of that early daydreaming.
Klay Thompson scored 27 points, Durant had 24 and the Warriors overcame a lethargic first half to beat injury-riddled San Antonio, 112-92, on Thursday night, handing the Spurs their fourth straight loss.
Curry added 21 points for Golden State in its first meeting against San Antonio since sweeping the Western Conference finals en route to the NBA title.
“Me and (Durant) were talking about it on the bench tonight,” Curry said. “It is tough to still be Nov. 1st or 2nd and be looking forward to April, May, June. But having gone through the experience last year and three years ago and understanding what it takes to win a championship, it’s kind of cliche, but every game you can learn a little bit something about yourself and continue to build great habits to get there.”
One lesson is staying focused against the Spurs, even as the five-time champions face their own struggles.
In the only other game, the Portland Trail Blazers outlasted the Los Angeles Lakers, 113-110.
Back in San Antonio, the Spurs played without Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker, as they did in the conference finals. Unlike those blowout victories, the Warriors struggled to close out the home squad.
“We might as well start every game here down 20,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr said. “Other than the playoffs last year, that will be four or five straight games where that happened. You have to be able to match the Spurs’ intensity, especially because they’re such a good rebounding team.”
The Warriors took their first lead two minutes into the third quarter at 60-57 on Durant’s 3-pointer.