The Golden State Warriors might have changed the formula, but
they got back into the win column Wednesday night. After putting
together a recent three-game win streak built largely on their
defensive effort, the Warriors simply outscored the Denver Nuggets
in a defense-challenged 116-114 victory in front of 18,430 at
Oracle Arena.
OAKLAND
The Golden State Warriors might have changed the formula, but they got back into the win column Wednesday night.
After putting together a recent three-game win streak built largely on their defensive effort, the Warriors simply outscored the Denver Nuggets in a defense-challenged 116-114 victory in front of 18,430 at Oracle Arena.
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Golden State shot 51.1 percent from the floor in finishing up an eight-game homestand at 4-4. The Warriors must turn around and play at Phoenix on Thursday.
Monta Ellis broke out of a slump with 37 points, and Dorell Wright nearly registered a triple-double with 23 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Reggie Williams continued his recent torrid shooting with 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting, including 4 for 4 from 3-point range.
Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony, the story in the NBA right now because of trade rumors swirling around him, had 29 points but committed four turnovers. He also received a technical foul in the third quarter for arguing with an official.
The Warriors led 70-68 at halftime, and at one point it appeared Golden State was headed for season-highs in field goal percentage and points. But both teams suddenly found points hard to come by down the stretch, and the Warriors held on.
The Warriors led for almost the entire second half, extending their advantage to 13 at one point. But the Nuggets cut it to 113-112 on a drive by Anthony with 1:11 remaining.
Ellis then made the play of the game, drilling a 3-pointer with 47.7 seconds left to give Golden State a four-point advantage.
J.R. Smith made a jumper with 32.8 remaining to cut it to 116-114. With about a seven-second differential between the shot clock and game clock, Ellis attempted another 3-pointer with the shot clock winding down but missed, and the Nuggets corralled the rebound with a chance to tie or win.
Denver coach George Karl elected not to call timeout, and Denver wasn’t able to get a good look on the final possession. Nene eventually attempted a baseline jumper that missed, and time ran out.
Defense was optional from the outset, when the Nuggets jumped out to a double-digit lead near the end of the first quarter. After Warriors center Andris Biedrins failed to secure an easy defensive rebound, the ball wound up in the hands of Denver guard Arron Afflalo, who drained a 3-pointer to give the Nuggets a 28-18 lead with 3:49 left in the quarter.
But behind Ellis and Wright, the Warriors made a run to cut the deficit to one to start the second quarter. Ellis scored 13 points and dished out four assists in the first quarter, and Wright added 12 points on the strength of 3-for-4 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc.
The Nuggets held a slim lead for most of the second quarter before Golden State went on a 10-0 run to take a 62-57 lead with 3:24 remaining before the half. Williams scored six points during the run.
After leading 70-68 at halftime, the Warriors finally started to play a little defense to extend their advantage. They held the Nuggets to 24 points in the third quarter, while Williams, Ellis and Wright got it done on the offensive end. Williams made all three of his 3-point attempts in the quarter, Ellis had eight points and Wright had seven. It was Ellis’ 3-pointer with 1:12 remaining in the third quarter that gave the Warriors their biggest lead at 97-84.
Former Warrior Al Harrington had 18 points and eight rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench, drawing a hefty amount of boos throughout the night. Smith added 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Nuggets.
Notes: The Nuggets played without starting point guard Chauncey Billups, who missed the game with a left knee strain. “¦ Warriors rookie Jeremy Lin got into a game for the first time since Dec. 20 against Houston. He played four minutes in the first quarter. “¦ Golden State backup point guard Acie Law missed his fourth straight game with a sprained right wrist. “¦ The Warriors continued their celebration of NBA Hardwood Classics Month by honoring Hall-of-Famer Rick Barry with an on-court ceremony between the first and second quarters.
— Story by Jonathan Okanes, Contra Costa Times
