What Went Right for Golden State in Their Away Win Versus the Utah Jazz
Last night, Golden State arrived at the Delta Center to face a Jazz team that cannot seem to stop its slide down the standings. It is no secret that Utah is in the midst of a rebuild, and the team has seen encouraging progress from young players like Keyonte George and Brice Sensabaugh. However, the Jazz are still far from competing, which made Golden State’s road trip slightly easier than usual. Steve Kerr’s team looked comfortable from the opening tip, but several key factors helped Golden State secure its 26th win of the season. Here is a breakdown of what went right for the Warriors in their 140-124 victory.
Efficient, Yet Balanced Attack
The Warriors’ tendency to rely heavily on three-point shooting was once again on display. Golden State used a barrage from beyond the arc in the second quarter to build a lead that stretched to as many as 16 points, offering early warning signs of what was to come for Utah. While their three-point efficiency of 23-for-54 was solid rather than eye-catching, the Warriors were equally effective inside the arc. They converted 23 of 32 two-point attempts, using outside shooting to establish a lead and interior efficiency to maintain it. That balance will be crucial moving forward, allowing Golden State to lean on perimeter shooting as an advantage while still having reliable options when shots are not falling from deep.
Aid Arrived, and It Arrived in Bunches
Golden State finished the game with a season-high eight players scoring in double figures. While the starters carried much of the load in terms of establishing control, the bench made a meaningful impact as well. Five non-starters reached double digits, led by an unexpected standout in Gui Santos who shot six-for-seven from the field and finished with 16 points. No contribution outside of the Warriors’ core stood out more than Moses Moody’s. Now in his fifth season, Moody outshot Stephen Curry last night, but did so in a more efficient manner. The former 14th overall pick shot nine-for-15 and led the team with five threes, rounding out the game with a few free throws to bring his final points to 26. Among the current roster, Moody appears to be one of the most capable candidates to help replace Jimmy Butler’s shoes. The Warriors still look to replace the six-time all-star’s production following a season-ending ACL tear, and this game indicated that they may not have to look too far.
Foot on the Gas Until the Final Whistle
One of the biggest risks when facing a young and energetic team is allowing momentum to build. Young teams often need just one strong sequence to gain confidence and raise their level of play, but the Warriors never allowed that opportunity. Golden State remained aggressive throughout the game, maintaining steady pressure from start to finish. Their scoring distribution of 34, 34, 33, and 39 points by quarter reflected a balanced effort that prevented Utah from threatening the lead. Closing games has been an issue for the Warriors this season, particularly during late-game situations. This outing represented a complete effort on multiple fronts. The next challenge will be sustaining this level of play as the team continues to adjust without Butler in the lineup.
