Warriors Thrive Without Curry, Washington Wizards Face Growing Pains
Golden State Warriors Thrive Without Curry; Washington Wizards Face Growing Pains
On Monday night, the Golden State Warriors (5-1 SU, 5-1 ATS) will visit the Washington Wizards (2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS) in a matchup that highlights two contrasting narratives. The Warriors, currently riding high, have managed to secure victories even in the absence of star guard Steph Curry, while the Wizards struggle with youth and consistency.
Warriors Overcoming Adversity
Steph Curry last took the court on October 27, when he sustained an ankle injury against the Los Angeles Clippers. Following that setback, the Warriors dropped that game but have since rallied to win three straight against the New Orleans Pelicans and the Houston Rockets, most recently clinching a thrilling 127-121 overtime victory without their leader. The team also played without forward Andrew Wiggins, who has been battling a back injury.
Despite nearly relinquishing a 31-point lead against Houston, the Warriors showcased their resilience, ultimately outscoring the Rockets 8-2 in overtime. Wiggins returned to the lineup, contributing 15 points and 5 assists, while newcomer Buddy Hield shone with 27 points, including 6-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc. Jonathan Kuminga also made an impact off the bench, scoring 23 points.
Although it’s early in the season, Hield’s addition has proven vital, as he averages 22.2 points per game with an impressive shooting percentage of 51.6% from the field and 51.7% from three. While there’s uncertainty about whether Golden State is a Western Conference contender, Curry’s potential return on Monday could help solidify their standing, especially with Kuminga (13.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG) and Brandin Podziemski (10.5 PPG, 38% FG) needing to elevate their performances.
Defensively, the Warriors have excelled, ranking second in the NBA by allowing just 103 points per game, while holding opponents to 41.1% shooting from the field and 29.4% from three-point range. On the offensive end, they are scoring 121 points per game (3rd in the league), shooting 48.1% overall (6th) and 40.1% from beyond the arc (3rd).
Washington Wizards: Youthful Growing Pains
In contrast, the Washington Wizards find themselves at a crossroads with a 2-3 record. Both of their wins have come against the Atlanta Hawks, while they suffered losses to the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. Their most recent outing resulted in a disappointing 118-98 defeat to the Miami Heat in Mexico City, where Bam Adebayo dominated with 32 points and 14 rebounds.
Although rookie Alex Sarr, the second overall pick, contributed 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 blocks, the Wizards faced challenges as their youth showed. Bilal Coulibaly has emerged as a bright spot, putting up 22 points and 8 rebounds, while Jordan Poole added 21 points despite committing four turnovers. However, Washington struggled from three-point range, hitting only 7 of 35 attempts.
With Malcolm Brogdon sidelined due to a thumb injury and Kyle Kuzma out with a groin issue, the Wizards lean heavily on their younger players. Jordan Poole, still relatively young at 25, leads the team with 22.2 points per game and is shooting 51.2% from three. However, teammates Corey Kispert and rookie Kyshawn George have both struggled from long range, each shooting just 28.6%.
Defensively, the Wizards have faced significant challenges, allowing 122.8 points per game (28th in the league) on 47.4% shooting (25th) and 38.5% from three (27th). Offensively, they average 114 points per game (15th) on 44.3% shooting (23rd) and 33.7% from long range (23rd).
Conclusion
As the Warriors look to maintain their momentum and build on their recent success without Curry, the Wizards are desperate to find consistency amid their growing pains. This matchup not only presents an opportunity for Golden State to further solidify their playoff aspirations but also serves as a critical test for Washington’s young core.
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