Golden State drops San Antonio to .500
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 Golden State overcame a lethargic first half to beat injury-riddled San Antonio 112-92 on Thursday night, handing the Spurs (4-4) their fourth straight loss.
Curry added 21 points for Golden State (6-3) 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 November 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 San Antonio, even as the five-time champions face its own struggles.
San Antonio played without Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker, as they did in the conference finals. Unlike those blowout victories, Golden State struggled to close out the Spurs.
“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.”
Golden State took its first lead two minutes into the third quarter at 60-57 on Durant’s 3-pointer.
Durant missed his first eight shots and San Antonio made six 3-pointers in the first quarter in bolting to an early double-digit lead.
San Antonio forward LaMarcus Aldridge had 24 points and 10 rebounds, continuing his resurgent season.
“LaMarcus was magnificent,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. “He’s been magnificent every game. His perseverance his hustle, his focus has been off the charts. He’s done a great job.”