The Golden State Warriors (30-2) hit a little bit of speedbump this week, but that's only comparative to their torrid start to the season. Here's our Warriors Weekly as we ring in the New Year in Oakland.
The Week That Was:
When Stephen Curry limped his way through the team's win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday, it seemed like it would be inevitable that he'd have to find some rest sooner or later.
That rest came on the team's Texas two-step in Dallas and Houston, as Curry sat with a lower left leg contusion while the team alternated a blowout loss to the Mavs (114-91) with a scintillating victory against the Rockets (114-110). Golden State's offense looked tired and out of sorts in Dallas as Klay Thompson and Draymond Green couldn't pick it up in Curry's absence, combining to go 8-of-30 from the field.
Thompson turned on the jets Thursday, scoring 38 points and carrying Golden State on his back to push the team to 30-2. Althought the second loss of the season may sting, the team's performance against Houston shows just how deep this team is.
Coming Up:
Golden State heads home for games against the Denver Nuggets (Saturday, January 2nd) and the Charlotte Hornets (Monday, January 4th). The Hornets have been one of the stories of the first half in the East, riding a swarming (pun intended) defense to a 17-14 start. However, Al Jefferson will be on the shelf for 6 weeks with a meniscus tear.
The Warriors will take a three-game West Coast road trip after that, taking on the Los Angeles Lakers (Tuesday, January 5th), Portland Trail Blazers (Friday, January 8th) and Sacramento Kings (Saturday, January 9th). This means two back-to-backs with two days off on Wednesday and Thursday -- a troublesome stretch for a banged-up Warriors squad.
Injuries
Curry had an MRI on his calf Wednesday, which showed no structural damage. However, he's still not comfortable on his left leg, so expect the team to ease him in next week.
Harrison Barnes remains on the shelf with an ankle injury, with no update on his status at this point after he missed the team's two-game road trip to Texas.
Leandro Barbosa didn't make the trip due to a shoulder injury.
What They're Saying About The Dubs
Shorthanded Warriors Ground Rockets On New Year's Eve (Warriors.com)
Warriors Get Win #30 Without #30 (SF Gate)
Stephen Curry Sports A Chewbacca Backpack While His Leg Heals (Golden State of Mind)
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