Steph Curry-less Warriors Catch Fire Late, Blow Out Pacers
The Golden State Warriors, despite missing Steph Curry, dominated the Indiana Pacers with a strong late surge led by Jimmy Butler III, Moses Moody, and Al Horford. Their 114-83 victory at Chase Center eased concerns surrounding the team’s rocky start to the season.
Slow Start and Mounting Pressure
The Warriors entered Sunday’s game under pressure after a tough early schedule and several key absences. Losses had been somewhat understandable but still deeply frustrating for fans and players alike. Still, a loss in this matchup would have been far harder to justify.
Shorthanded Opponent
The Indiana Pacers were severely depleted, missing Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, and Quenton Jackson. Despite their struggles, the Pacers’ lone win of the season had come against these same Warriors, raising the stakes for Golden State.
Turning the Tide
Early in the game, the Warriors showed grit and defensive energy, holding Indiana to limited looks and jumping to a 13–4 lead. However, offensive rhythm was hard to find for nearly three quarters, as missed shots kept the contest tighter than expected.
“Up until the fourth quarter, my working headline was ‘Warriors win/lose battle of the bricks.’”
Dominance Down the Stretch
When the fourth quarter began, everything changed. The Warriors caught fire offensively, outpacing Indiana with fluid ball movement and relentless defense. Fans finally had reason to celebrate as Golden State closed the game in commanding fashion.
Final Score
- Golden State Warriors: 114
- Indiana Pacers: 83
Author’s Summary: A depleted Warriors squad overcame early inefficiency with a late scoring surge, crushing the Pacers 114–83 to calm concerns about their slow season start.