It’s been a decade since Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors won the first of four championships that would cement them as an NBA dynasty, and they find themselves in the thick of things once again. Their old Big 3 of Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson broke up this season with Thompson’s departure in free agency, but Curry, Green and head coach Steve Kerr have Golden State first atop the deep Western Conference standings. the full month of the season starts the last week. Even this late in their careers, Curry and Green remain Golden State’s fulcrums on offense and defense, respectively, and the rest of the team seems to have bought into that. Whether they will seriously challenge for the title remains to be seen, but early on they have the look of a team that should be in the mix.

Despite all the injuries they suffered early in the season, the San Antonio Spurs managed to get their eighth win of the year in a comeback victory against the Utah Jazz on Thursday evening. San Antonio, who had a notoriously bad November last season, didn’t get their eighth win in Victor Wembanyama’s rookie year until Jan. 20, putting them firmly out of the picture by the time Christmas arrived. Could this be the year the Spurs return to the NBA Playoffs, thanks to a defensive effort that puts them in the top 10 in defensive efficiency and an attack led by Wembanyama’s physical dominance and the smarts of Point God Chris Paul? ?

San Antonio Spurs (8-8) vs. Golden State Warriors (11-3)

November 22, 2024 | 7:30 PM CT

Look: | Listen: WOAI (1200 hours)

Spurs injuries: Jeremy Sochan, thumb (OUT), Victor Wembanyama, knee (questionable), Devin Vassell, knee (questionable), Keldon Johnson, hamstring tightness (questionable)

Warriors Injuries: Stephen Curry, knee (daily), Reece Beekman (OUT)

What to pay attention to

• A few months shy of his 37th birthday, it’s amazing to see what Stephen Curry is still doing, especially as a defensive player. Just a few steps away from a 50/40/90 shooting line in 15 games, he still strikes fear into the hearts of defenders as soon as he crosses half court. He’s dealing with bursitis in one of his knees and played 33 minutes last night, so there’s a good chance he won’t be in what would be a SEGABABA for Golden State.
• Trayce Jackson-Davis built on a strong rookie season by taking Golden State’s starting spot over Kevon Looney. The 6-foot-2 sophomore uses his athleticism to his advantage, playing with high energy, running hard from baseline to baseline and giving the Warriors a solid scoring option inside.
• After dealing with his share of off-court issues over the past two years, Andrew Wiggins looks to be back in the role he filled so perfectly when Golden State won their fourth title of the Curry era. Namely, a tenacious defender who can be relied on to create open shots and guard the other team’s best perimeter player. He had a 30 burger last night in Golden State’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

• Jonathon Kuminga’s playing time has been a bit inconsistent this season. A dynamic athlete who has shown plenty of potential, Kuminga was Steve Kerr’s first man off the bench for most of the season. It will be interesting to see what the Warriors do with him in the future.
• Former Spur Kyle Anderson has found a new home in Golden State.

For the Warriors fan’s perspective, check out Golden State of Mind.

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