Jonathan Kuminga aggressively attacked the rim, attempting to rally the Golden State Warriors back into contention. However, despite his efforts, they struggled to secure crucial defensive stops against a determined San Antonio Spurs team led by Keldon Johnson, who delivered a stellar performance with 22 points and 11 rebounds, propelling the Spurs to a 126-113 victory on Saturday night.
Jeremy Sochan and Malaki Branham also made significant contributions, each scoring 20 points, while Julian Champagnie added 17 points and seven rebounds for San Antonio, which had endured a challenging stretch with seven losses in nine games.
Reflecting on the importance of their energy level, Sochan emphasized the significance of bringing intensity from the start, especially in the face of a formidable opponent like the Warriors and the electric atmosphere in San Francisco.
Despite Klay Thompson’s impressive 27-point performance off the bench for Golden State, they struggled to overcome the absence of Stephen Curry and Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama due to right ankle injuries.
Kuminga’s determined effort in the fourth quarter, where he scored 11 of his 26 points, showcased his ability to attack the basket effectively. However, the Warriors ultimately fell short, missing Curry’s scoring prowess, particularly in crucial moments.
San Antonio consistently responded to Golden State’s late pushes, with Champagnie and Johnson delivering key baskets to maintain control over the game. The Spurs’ sharpshooting from beyond the arc, highlighted by Champagnie’s five 3-pointers and Johnson’s four, proved crucial as they shot 17 for 33 from long range.
The Warriors struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game, with coach Steve Kerr acknowledging their inability to establish momentum. Chris Paul, starting in place of Curry, contributed 10 points and nine assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome San Antonio’s dominant performance.
Despite the disappointing loss, there was positive news for the Warriors, as Curry’s MRI revealed no structural damage to his ankle. With Curry’s injury not considered serious, there is optimism for his return after re-evaluation on Tuesday.
In a notable moment, retired tennis star Roger Federer was spotted courtside alongside Warriors owner Joe Lacob, following Federer’s announcement of the Laver Cup tennis event coming to Chase Center in September 2025.
The absence of both Curry and Thompson from the starting lineup marked a significant occurrence for the Warriors, with this being the first game without either player starting since January 20, 2023, according to Elias.
