USA Today via Reuters
Jan 19, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) heads to the bench past head coach Steve Kerr as they take on the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 19, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) heads to the bench past head coach Steve Kerr as they take on the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
With key Miami Heat players sidelined in tonight’s matchup, Stephen Curry & co suffered a terrible loss. The Heat’s defense was insurmountable for the Golden State stars. Talking to the press after the game that they lost 102-114, coach Steve Kerr gave three reasons that summarized quite efficiently their defeat tonight.
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He said, “We got outcoached, outworked and outplayed.” Despite a poor three-point performance from Miami, the group came together to double their defensive endeavors. In doing so, they effectively slowed down Steph and Klay Thompson.
Steve Kerr: “We got outcoached, outworked and outplayed.” pic.twitter.com/bKlapAVRyM
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) December 29, 2023
But Kerr was sure even before the game that the Heat would prove to be a menace, sans key pieces. Trayce Jackson-Davis said, “That’s what coach was preaching before the game: They are going to come out even harder than they would if they had their starters.” It was clear that everyone went into the game expecting a tough battle.
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“The Sunshine State” did not have their star forward Jimmy Butler for a fourth game due to a strained left calf. Other players who were sidelined include Kyle Lowry (soreness), Caleb Martin (sprained right ankle), and Josh Richardson (back discomfort).
The short-handed Heat’s brilliant performance vs Stephen Curry & co
Tyler Herro received all the praise for tonight’s victory. Rising to the occasion, Herro led with 26 points to extend their winning streak to four. Jamal Cain comes next with 18 points, followed by Bam Adebayo, who had a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Read More: Stephen Curry Breaks Another Record as Warriors Crumble vs Miami
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (17) also matched Adebayo for points scored. When we say the Warriors had a blowout loss, it’s not simply isolated to the fact that they admitted defeat to an under-manned team. The highest score was 13 points, each by the Splash Brothers.
Steph had a particularly offensive night on offense, with the Heat doing a remarkable job of keeping the ‘baby-faced assassin’ at bay. He did not land a shot until they moved well into the late second quarter. Steph shot 3-of-15 from the field and 2-of-6 from beyond the arc.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 28, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the hoop between Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic (5) and forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Cain has been doing a splendid job of convincing he belongs on the roster. Tonight’s 50% shooting in 28 minutes is just another example of his value. Of course, Butler and Caleb Martin’s absence has provided him the opportunity. But it was up to him to capitalize on the chance, and he did.
While GSW’s rookie squad has been their crowning glory this season, the Heat also has a star rookie in the form of Jaquez Jr. And tonight, his dominance was on full display. It is almost enough to convince Coach Spoelstra to give him a permanent place as a starter.
Watch This Story: When Did Stephen Curry Last Not Make a Three-Pointer In-Game?
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