The Golden State Warriors bounced back from a tough loss to the Dallas Mavericks with a gritty 105-98 victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday. Despite a challenging back-to-back schedule, Steve Kerr's decision to change up the lineup paid off, bringing a new spark to the team. Here’s what we learned from their latest win as they head into the NBA All-Star break.
1. A New Starting Five: Podziemski Replaces Hield
Coach Kerr made another bold move, switching up his starting lineup for the 33rd time this season. Brandin Podziemski took over Buddy Hield's spot, and the change immediately paid dividends. Podziemski brought energy, scoring 14 points in the first half and contributing on both ends of the court with key steals and assists. Meanwhile, Hield, who struggled in the previous game, found himself coming off the bench.
2. Moses Moody Continues to Impress
Moses Moody's performance was a highlight of the night. The fourth-year pro scored 10 points in the first half, adding two blocks and a steal, showing his growth and versatility. While he didn't score in the second half, his hustle never wavered, finishing with six rebounds and playing a crucial role in the team’s defense.
3. Veterans Lead the Charge
Despite the exciting new lineup, it was the experience of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler that sealed the win. Curry led the team with 27 points, and Butler contributed 19 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, helping the Warriors maintain control late in the game. Green was also solid, finishing with 13 points, eight assists, and strong defense.
Key Moments:
- Steph Curry’s Clutch Shots: Curry delivered critical buckets in the fourth quarter, showing his trademark resilience.
- Podziemski's Defense: The rookie showed poise on defense, limiting Rockets' star Jalen Green to a tough shooting night.
- Team Chemistry: The lineup blend of youth and experience created a balanced attack that had the Rockets scrambling.
As the Warriors look to build momentum heading into the break, this new starting five may be a sign of things to come. With the right mix of youth, energy, and veteran leadership, Golden State could finally shake off their recent inconsistency. Will this lineup be the key to a stronger second half of the season? Only time will tell!
Stay tuned as the Warriors prepare for the rest of the NBA season!
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