The Warriors needed this.
Yes, the Warriors won 112-108 in what was the best atmosphere Oracle has provided since the Finals. Yes, Steph Curry did finish with another Steph-like line: 31 points, 7-for-11 from deep and four assists. And yes, Luke Walton did extend his interim coaching win streak to five despite some questionable lineup decisions on Wednesday.
No, they didn’t need the win. The Warriors will have plenty of those throughout this 82-game season, maybe a historical amount of wins, but that remains to be seen. The Warriors needed a close game, a challenge and a blip on their perfect early season campaign.