The Golden State Warriors believed the game might not matter in the standings, so they rested Draymond Green and Steph Curry against the Utah Jazz. 

It wouldn’t, as seen by the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns’ early performances. But in a 123-116 victory, a squad that included the Santa Cruz Warriors this season turned the tide.

Leading the way, Klay Thompson scored 25 points in only 19 minutes while giving out three assists, making six triples, and even blocking a shot. It’s possible that he wished to ensure that the Warriors concluded the season with a winning record at home, which they achieved, going 21-20 at Chase Center.

Midway through the third quarter, head coach Steve Kerr substituted his starters, but the reserves prevailed. The Warriors were behind 77-72 when Chris Paul and Klay Thompson departed the game with seven minutes remaining in the third quarter. 

However, Moses Moody, Gui Santos, and Jonathan Kuminga’s brilliant assists allowed the Warriors to end the quarter on a 12-4 run, leading 95-89 at the half.

The fourth saw the continuation of the Kuminga-Santos.

In the fourth quarter, Santa Cruz Warriors veteran Jerome Robinson, recently signed Usman Garuba, and lacrosse great Pat Spencer all saw substantial minutes, clearing the bench completely. Robinson finished with five points, including a crucial three-pointer late in the game to seal the Dubs’ victory.

Garuba finished with four rebounds and two blocks, while Spencer scored two points and three excellent assists to demonstrate why he is the college lacrosse record holder. Even though Cam Spencer won a national championship on Monday, his brother managed to score in an NBA game. For the Spencer family, what a week!

Lester Quinones demonstrated his dunking skills, which the fans haven’t seen much of this year, scoring 12 points in just 17 minutes. He was obviously influenced by the brilliant Santos, who ended with 13 points off the bench.

With his 38th charge of the year, Brandin Podziemski solidified his position as the charge leader.

 Interesting trivia The Warriors as a team finished the season with 38 charges last year. Maybe it’s spreadable. In the first half of the game, Kuminga drew his first charge of the year. With twenty-one points, Draymond Green tied for fourth place in the NBA.

Golden State improved by two games over the previous season to end with a 46-36 record. 

However, they will now finish in tenth place instead of sixth due to the strengthened Western Conference. (They would be in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.)

But the opponent doesn’t change. They’ll take on the Kings on Wednesday night in Sacramento, in what promises to be an exciting matchup between the No. 9 and No. 10 teams. The winner advances to play the winner of Tuesday’s Pelicans vs. Lakers game. 

For the winner-take-some showdown, Golden State will field a well-rested Curry and Green, who will reunite with one of his many rivals, Domantas Sabonis.

The fight for Interstate 80’s soul is taking place between Vallejo and Fairfield. Although we don’t think Gui Santos will matter in that match, it’s comforting to know he’s prepared.