On Wednesday night, two NBA teams faced off in what was technically a regular season game at Chase Center.
However, it hardly felt like a fair match.
Nowadays, it seems like there are few teams that can compete with the Spurs and their standout player, Victor Wembanyama. The Warriors, fielding a notably depleted lineup, looked far from a match for them.
Wembanyama dazzled again, scoring 41 points and grabbing 18 rebounds, while the Warriors fell 127-113 to one of the top teams in the league, marking their tenth consecutive loss. That’s, well, disappointing—again.
Stephen Curry, who’s been out for 26 games, is among a long list of absences, which mirrors the challenges coach Steve Kerr faces with his roster. Despite the struggle, seven of the nine players who suited up for the Warriors scored in double figures, with Nate Williams leading the way with 18 points in a remarkable 47-minute performance. Still, it’s crucial to note who wasn’t on the court.
What It Means
Following a streak of three wins against lower-ranked teams, this loss was the Warriors’ second in a row. But, honestly, the individual game results are almost moot for a team that’s all but locked in as the No. 10 seed or possibly facing off at the lower end of the play-ins.
You could see the difference in pregame routines. There are reports that Curry aims to return to a normal schedule and be back by Sunday after being out for two months.
Turning Point
It’s hard to say if any version of the Warriors could have contained Wembanyama and the Spurs, especially given their impressive 26-2 record. The reality is that when the injury report came out, the odds were clearly not in their favor.
In addition to already sidelined regulars, Gui Santos (pelvis) and Gary Payton II (knee) were downgraded to out just before the game started.
Without key players like Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, the Warriors had to rely on Omer Yurtseven and Malevi Leons—both of whom are not typically the main guys—while trying to defend against Wembanyama.
Wembanyama quickly scored six points before the Warriors could respond, helping the Spurs to a 25-9 lead within the first six minutes. It took less than two minutes into the second quarter for him to achieve a double-double, finishing the first half with 27 points and 13 rebounds, giving San Antonio a commanding 70-49 advantage.
MVP: Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama, listed at 7-foot-4, seemed virtually unstoppable against the undermanned Warriors. He didn’t just look like the most valuable player on the court; he appeared as the standout player in the entire league.
Game Status: 2
Brandin Podzemski started strong, showing promise for a big night, likely aiming for his first 30-point game. He netted 12 of the Warriors’ 26 points in the opening quarter with solid shooting.
However, after Carr’s minutes were limited to just 17, Podzemski only managed to add two more points for the rest of the game. On a more positive note, Williams played more minutes than any other Warrior since Harrison Barnes in 2014.
To the Next
The Warriors could be nearing full strength when they face the Cavaliers on Thursday. Golden State opted for that matchup over one with Wembanyama, and there’s hope that De’Anthony Melton, Payton, and Santos will all be ready to take the court.
If Curry continues to progress, his extended absence might soon be behind him.
