SAN FRANCISCO – With back-to-back away losses behind them and a brutal six-game street journey mendacity forward, the Warriors took benefit of the group’s solely dwelling recreation in a 16-day stretch on Sunday night.
Golden State received 114-83 in what was, principally, a rock-fight of a basketball recreation till late within the third quarter.
Jimmy Butler led the group with 21 factors, whereas Moses Moody scored 13, Brandin Podziemski had 14 and Quinten Publish scored 14. Excessive-energy rookie Will Richard poured in 15 on a collection of cuts and free throws.
The Warriors led 48-41 at halftime regardless of taking pictures 37.2% from the sector and simply 5 of 21 from behind the arc. They shot simply 26 of 37 from the free throw line general.
The groups have been tied deep into the third quarter, when the Warriors launched into a 14-0 Butler, Al Horford and Moody-fueled run to interrupt the sport open.
The visiting Pacers, the reigning Japanese Convention champion, got here to San Francisco decimated by accidents. 9 totally different gamers have been dominated out, together with 4 common starters.
The Warriors weren’t completely wholesome, both. Steph Curry missed his third consecutive recreation whereas recovering from an sickness.
Nevertheless, the face of the franchise was an energetic participant on the sidelines whereas carrying white sweatpants and a jacket. Curry sat subsequent to the coaches and could possibly be seen having conversations with teammates throughout timeouts.
Coach Steve Kerr mentioned he hopes Curry might be able to play when the Warriors (6-4) journey to Oklahoma Metropolis on Tuesday.
Horford influence
Golden State Warriors’ Al Horford (20) battles Indiana Pacers’ Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (25) for a rebound within the first quarter of their NBA recreation at Chase Heart in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Space Information Group)
If Al Horford, 39, was feeling the results of a sore left foot that held him out of Friday’s recreation, he didn’t present it in opposition to Indiana. After lacking all seven of his pictures in opposition to Sacramento on Wednesday, Horford was 4 of 6 from behind the arc and scored 12 factors.
He additionally dished out an help whereas grabbing 4 rebounds in 18 minutes. Horford performed the function the Warriors want him to thrive in if the group is to succeed this season.
Horford’s offense was stellar, however his protection was simply as spectacular. He racked up three blocks and influenced a handful of different pictures, utilizing timing somewhat than athleticism to guard the rim.
Gradual begin
Regardless of going through a skeleton crew, the Warriors’ offense regarded prefer it was taking part in an elite defensive unit within the first quarter. They shot simply 8 of 24, making 5 of 14 3-pointers.
Turnovers, as have typically been the case, set the offense again. The Warriors had 4 giveaways, which led the best way to seven Pacers factors and greased the wheels for a equally sluggish Pacers assault (8 of 25).
Kuminga’s taking pictures struggles
Indiana Pacers’ Cody Martin (11) battles for a unfastened ball with Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga (1) within the first quarter of their NBA recreation at Chase Heart in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Space Information Group)
With just a little below six minutes left within the second quarter, Jonathan Kuminga lower alongside the baseline on the fastbreak earlier than skying for a lob from Podziemski.
The Chase Heart crowd, determined to cheer for one thing in a recreation nonetheless caught within the 30s, rose to their toes in unison. They promptly returned to their seats, disillusioned, when Kuminga was unable to complete the dunk.
After taking pictures simply 3 of 10 in opposition to Denver, Kuminga struggled to place the ball within the basket for the second consecutive night time regardless of receiving a bundle of alternatives with Curry sitting. He didn’t play within the fourth quarter.
Podziemski was not a flamethrower from the sector, taking pictures simply 4 of 11 and infrequently placing stress on the protection as a driver. Nevertheless, he remained efficient as one of many group’s few efficient ballhandlers, and was a part of the unit that expanded the fourth quarter led to twenty.
Moody supplies a spark
In a recreation the place each possession was a slog, Moses Moody’s four-point play late within the third quarter introduced the gang to life. He collected the ball in entrance of the group’s bench and hoisted a desperation triple whereas being fouled by Monte Morris.
Moody turned to exult in his teammates’ ensuing celebration, and the next made free throw helped Golden State take a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter. Flashing an improved 3-point stroke that has helped him shoot 44% from behind the arc, Moody made 3 of 9 triples and scored 13 off the bench.
Very like Horford, his vitality on protection was infectious and helped flip the sport round.
