With the talented Utah Jazz entering Oracle Arena Thursday night without three key players, the Golden State Warriors had a golden opportunity to earn themselves their second straight victory on their home court. And behind two dazzling performances from Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry, and a strong second half from David Lee the W's took over in the third quarter and never looked back, finishing out the Jazz 119-101.
Both the Warriors (8-12) and Jazz (12-9) played on a mainly even keel through the first half with the W's taking a two point lead into halftime. But whatever Coach Jackson said in the locker room worked as the Warriors came out with high energy on both ends of the floor, were getting to the rack and free throw line, and had everybody hustling for rebounds. And after leaving the second unit on the floor for much of the second half against Sacramento, the starters were too electric to take off the floor, leaving it only to the bench in garbage time at the end.
Monta and Steph put on a show with Devin Harris, Earl Watson and Raja Bell all out with injury for Utah, combing for 62 points together. Monta led all scorers with 33 on 13-21 shooting, while Steph dropped 29 with 12 assists and five rebounds. David Lee woke up after a 2-14 start from the floor to finish with another double-double with 23 points and 14 rebounds, while Dorell Wright added 13. Ekpe Udoh was excellent off the bench with seven points four rebounds, and three blocks while Andris Biedrins snagged nine rebounds, four on the offensive glass.
The W's out rebounded the Jazz 47-43 on the night, while turning the ball over only eight times. If this Golden State team keeps showing up, one that's efficient and full of energy, good things should be coming the Warriors way.
For more on the Warriors head over to Golden State of Mind.