The Warriors arrived at their hotel in Washington, D.C., early Monday. After a tough loss in a game known for its intensity, they took the court later that night against the struggling Wizards, who drew a sparse crowd at their arena.
This could have set them up for a rough game ahead.
However, Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, and De’Anthony Melton made a significant impact, leading the Golden State to a 125-117 win, finally breaking a five-game losing streak.
What It Means
This victory also marked Steve Kerr’s 600th win as a head coach.
Even with the challenges posed by the roster, the twelfth-year coach reached this milestone quicker than all but three others: Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, and Gregg Popovich.
Turning Point
The Warriors secured their lead late in the first quarter.
This moment also coincided with Porzingis making his first appearance. Golden State was only slightly ahead at 11-10 when the towering 7-foot-3 player entered the game at 6:45. By halftime, Porzingis had scored 15 points, helping extend the lead to 17 points.
Trae Young, who previously played alongside Porzingis, matched the Wizards’ scoring with 21 points, keeping his team competitive. He hit a crucial three-pointer before halftime, narrowing the gap to 54-52, and they stayed close throughout most of the second half.
Still, Washington couldn’t bounce back after Porzingis’ initial stint.
MVP: Guy Santos
While the return of three key players was notable, Santos’ efforts shouldn’t be overshadowed. He’s solidified his role regardless of the starting lineup. Coming off the bench, Santos scored well, trailing only Melton and Porzingis, and finished with a game-high plus-20 rating in just 28 minutes.
Game Stats: 62 Points from Returning Players
Seeing how closely the Warriors played against the Knicks is impressive, especially considering how limited they had been recently. Porzingis led the scoring with 30 points, while Melton added 27. Green contributed 5 points but was notable for his 8 rebounds and 7 assists, even if his scoring was quiet.
To the Next
The next challenge for Porzingis comes in Boston, where the Warriors will face the Celtics on Wednesday. Before heading home, Porzingis plans to revisit each of his five former teams.
