What we learned as Steph Curry's huge third quarter fuels Warriors' win vs. Jazz originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – The Warriors seem to get a boost whenever Draymond Green is banished from a game.
Trailing by 12 when Green was ejected late in the second quarter, the Warriors responded by outscoring the Utah Jazz by 21 points over the final 26 minutes and cruising to a 123-114 victory Saturday night at Chase Center.
Five Warriors scored in double figures, led by Stephen Curry’s 31 points. Jimmy Butler III and Quinten Post each scored 15 points, while De’Anthony Melton had 13 and Gary Payton II finished with 10.
Golden State (19-17) recorded 32 assists and overcame 15 turnovers that gave the Jazz (12-22) 22 points.
Here are three observations from a game that dropped Utah to 0-11 at Chase Center:
Steph’s insane third quarter
After a nine-point first half during which he shot 2-of-8 from the field, including 2-of-7 from beyond the arc, Curry blasted out of intermission and delivered 11 minutes of spectacular offensive pyrotechnics.
His full arsenal was on display, everything from slashing layups to midrange jumpers to free throws to step-backs and pull-ups from distance – including a 36-footer. Coach Steve Kerr, who typically pulls Curry four or five minutes into the quarter, let him cook until less than a minute remained.
Curry’s third 20-point quarter of the season – and 45th of his career – came on 6-of-8 shooting from the field, including 4-of-6 from deep and 4-of-4 from the line.
Moreover, Curry’s outburst powered a 42-point quarter for Golden State, wiping out a seven-point halftime deficit and allowing for a four-point lead (100-96) to open the fourth quarter.
Curry‘s 31 points came on 8-of-18 shooting from the field, including 6-of-12 from beyond the arc. He was 9-of-9 from the line.
Draymond does it again
With 2:25 remaining in the first half, Green received two technical fouls and an automatic ejection after complaining long and loudly to two different officials.
Tech No. 1, whistled by umpire Simone Jelks, came after Green defended Kyle Filipowski in the paint beyond three seconds. When Jelks, stationed along the baseline, didn’t call the violation, Green turned toward her and protested. As he protested, Lauri Markkanen breezed past him for a dunk.
Tech No. 2 came after Green turned his ire toward referee Kevin Cutler, who wasted little time blowing his whistle and banishing Green, who walked directly to the locker room.
Though Green had a point with his protest, he took his protest far beyond what typical officials will allow. This was the third time in the last three home games that he failed to finish, twice due to ejections and once after a heated argument with coach Steve Kerr.
The Warriors won the first two such games, and the third on Saturday.
Melton finds wayward 3-ball
Since concluding rehab from ACL surgery and returning on Dec. 4, Melton has played solid defense, made smart plays and struggled mightily with his 3-point shot. The career 36.4-percent shooter from deep entered the game shooting 16.7 percent (6 of 36).
Melton made his first one with 3:58 left in the first quarter, drained his second 87 seconds later and a third with 2:13 left in the first half.
Melton’s 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting from the field, including 3-of-7 from distance.
The last time Melton made at least three triples in a game was Dec. 7 at Chicago. He had missed 24 of 27 3-point attempts before Saturday night.
Already a rotation fixture, Melton would be a welcome tonic for Golden State’s perimeter offense if he shoots the 3-ball at his customary level.
