The Golden State Warriors (36-3) saw their seven-game winning streak snapped in the Mile High City on Wednesday, as a late turnover by Stephen Curry sealed a 112-110 win for the Denver Nuggets. The Warriors are now tasked with kicking things back into high gear as we present to you our Warriors Weekly: Mid-Week Edition.
The Week That Was
Golden State's defense walked a tightrope in the final three games of the team's seven-game run, giving up over 100 points in wins over Portland (128-108), Sacramento (128-116) and Miami (111-103). Damian Lillard dropped 40 on the Dubs in Portland, so it was a good thing that the Warriors shot the lights out to the tune of 52.9% from the floor and 56.3% from three.
However, things finally caught up to the Dubs in Denver last night -- especially when it came to a litany of "tired fouls" while closing out on Denver shooters. The Nuggets shot just 42.5% from the field and 22.7% from three, but they won the game at the charity striple thanks to a +17 scoring margin. Golden State was also outrebounded 49-39, including 13-7 on the offensive boards.
The heartening thing is that the team only lost by two despite handing out 37 free throws and getting bullied on the glass. It's a good bit of perspective to have for anyone worried after last night's defeat.
Coming Up
The Warriors have won 36 straight regular-season home games and are a perfect 18-0 at Oracle this year. A win against the hapless Los Angeles Lakers in the second game of a back-to-back on Thursday would move Golden State into a tie for the third-longest streak in NBA history. Los Angeles could be without Kobe Bryant who continues to battle an Achilles problem.
After the showdown with the Lakers at Oracle, the Dubs will head to the East Coast for a three-game swing starting in Detroit on Saturday. The final two games of the trip may be the two biggest NBA showdowns of next week, as Golden State gets a return date from Xmas with Cleveland (Monday) before wrapping things up in Chicago (Wednesday) against a Bulls team currently suffering through a three-game losing streak.
Monday's Cavs/Warriors game in Cleveland will be broadcast at 8:00pm EST on TNT as they square off in the second-and-final 2015 NBA Finals rematch of the regular season.
Injuries
Draymond Green sat out Wednesday's loss to Denver, and he's questionable for Thursday as he continues to deal with soreness in his legs.
Stephen Curry hasn't been showing many ill effects from his left shin injury, but don't be surprised if he's given some rest over the next couple of weeks.
What They're Saying About The Dubs
Golden State Warriors lack of energy leads to their downfall
Will Warriors resting players become a trend?
Draymond holds small lead over Kawhi for All-Star spot
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