Big First Half Carries Warriors To Rout Of Pistons
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry scored 28 points, knocking down six 3-pointers, and the Golden State Warriors raced to an early lead on the way to a 118-91 rout of the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night.
Kelly Oubre Jr. added 18 points as Golden State executed the way coach Steve Kerr has hoped for on both ends — starting with a focus on rebounding that produced a 53-49 advantage on the boards. Now, the Warriors must strive to do it consistently and against the NBA's top-tier teams.
Curry shot 11 for 17, including 6 of 8 from deep, and Golden State found a far better offensive groove after shooting just 38% in Thursday's 114-93 loss at Phoenix — including 29% from 3-point range (11 for 38).
"I thought we were on edge in a good way," Kerr said. "The other night we were embarrassed. We got away from who we are."
Jerami Grant led Detroit with 18 points, and Josh Jackson came off the bench to score 17.
The Pistons, similar to Golden State, are trying to gain momentum but couldn't build off a big win two nights earlier with a cold night shooting. At 5-15, they have the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference.
Detroit was coming off a 107-92 home win over the Lakers on Thursday — a game with 15 lead changes and eight ties — having scored the exact same number of points in a 122-107 loss at Cleveland a night earlier.
"We just couldn't find a rhythm. Their guys were making shots," Jackson said. "We just didn't have the energy and intensity that we normally have. I'm confident that we'll find it."
Golden State has won nine of 11 at home against the Pistons, who pulled off a 111-104 win in their first visit to Chase Center last Jan. 4.
Because of testing protocols, the Pistons did more of a walk-through without a morning shootaround. Finding a flow is tough for every team, Detroit coach Dwane Casey said.
"I think it's a byproduct of the season we're going through, all the protocols, the unusual rhythm of the season," Casey said. "A situation where it's abnormal, it carries over to the court."
THOMPSON ON THE MIC
Injured Warriors Splash Brother Klay Thompson, sidelined for a second straight season and this time recovering from surgery for a torn right Achilles, worked the broadcast as a guest analyst. And Curry got to hang with his pal late with the game in hand.
"He's always very entertaining with his dry wit. I'll be listening," Kerr said. "When I watch the tape of the game I will definitely have the volume up."
CANCEL THE FLIGHT
Jordan Poole is headed to the G League bubble Sunday but his 16 points had teammates pulling for him to stay. They yelled "Cancel the flight!" Kerr shared.
"I think my teammates wanted to sign a petition for me to stay," Poole said. "We'll see."
TIP-INS
Pistons: Went 3 for 12 to begin the game compared to 9 of 13 by the Warriors to fall behind 21-10. Detroit managed only 17 assists, shooting 9 of 36 from 3-point range. ... The Pistons are 1-8 on the road and 0-2 vs. the Western Conference.
Warriors: Eric Paschall missed the second half with back spasms. ... Curry and Brad Wanamaker had seven assists apiece, and Draymond Green added six as Golden State finished with 34. ... Rookie No. 2 draft pick James Wiseman came off the bench for the fourth straight game and contributed 11 points and nine rebounds. ... Andrew Wiggins scored 47 points in the two games against Detroit. ... Golden State is 2-2 at home vs. the East.
RESCHEDULED GAME
The NBA announced Golden State's postponed road game against the Suns from Jan. 15 has been rescheduled for March 4 at Phoenix.
UP NEXT
Pistons: At the Denver Nuggets on Monday night to continue a five-game trip out West.
Warriors: Host the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, having lost the last three in the series and five of seven, before leaving on a four-game road swing.