Chriss impressive as team hits break
Warriors center Marquese Chriss stood above his opponent, staring down through a villainous facemask.
Chriss, who started in the Warriors’ 112-106 loss to the Suns in Phoenix on Wednesday night, has come a long way since his rookie season in Phoenix. His block of Suns forward Jonah Bolden’s layup in the second quarter underscored the confidence Chriss has found in Golden State.
In his eighth consecutive start at center, Chriss continued to show why the Warriors are excited about his long-term fit. His athleticism, feel for the game and willingness to play his role have provided the Warriors with a valuable lob threat and developing rim protector.
However, Chriss’ game reflected what went wrong for the Warriors (12-43) in their final game before the All-Star break. Though he finished with 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting, 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocks, he also turned the ball over three times.
Overall, the Warriors shot 50.6% and totalled 27 assists, but committed 22 turnovers that led to 32 points for the Suns (22-33) and 14 fewer shot attempts. They also had a hard time containing Suns guard Devin Booker (27 points, eight assists and five rebounds).
Despite the Warriors’ struggles, they still had a chance to win late after Chriss’ and-1 layup cut Phoenix’s 11-point, fourthquarter lead to four with 6:07 remaining. However, that would be as close as the Warriors would get.
After falling into a 10-point hole after a first quarter in which nine turnovers led to 13 points for the Suns, the Warriors outscored the Suns 82-78, though that early deficit proved too much to overcome.
There were several promising performances in Golden State’s loss. Making his first start at point guard, rookie Jordan Poole had 12 points on 4-for-12 shooting and three assists in 32 minutes.
Eric Paschall, who will compete in Friday’s Rising Stars challenge over the All-Star break, went for 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting, six rebounds and two assists.
Meanwhile Andrew Wiggins, in his third game since being acquired by the Warriors in last week’s blockbuster trade with the Timberwolves, finished with 27 points on 9-for-14 shooting (3 for 4 from 3-point range), four rebounds, five assists and four blocks in 34 minutes.
Jeremy Pargo (15 points and two assists), the 33-year-old guard, also impressed in what could be his last game before his 10-day contract expires.
For the rest of this lottery-bound season, the Warriors will continue to prioritize acclimating Wiggins and developing players, like Chriss, who can play a role next season.
Golden State has lost four straight and goes into the break 12-43, the worst mark in the NBA.
The Warriors will have eight days off before their season resumes on Feb. 20 against the Rockets at Chase Center.