Photo by Warriors
The Warriors have been simply amazing for two seasons and continue striving to be better. They've already broke records last year but on Sunday, it was much more special. The Warriors not only tied the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls 72 wins, they also have a chance to break that record this Wednesday at home in their final game of the season.
Despite the shocking loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves last week, the Warriors repeatedly said they're not tired and want no rest. The once highly anticipated matchup against the San Antonio Spurs is losing its hype. The last two contests have shown Golden State is by far the better team all around. Sunday's 92-86 victory over the Spurs proves that the Warriors are in a class all by themselves.
"Definitely sweet because we broke the streak," said Klay Thompson. "That's all the media would talk about for the last few years. It's tough to win here. It definitely was huge for us."
Golden State hadn't won at the Alamodome nor AT&T Center since February 14, 1997. Almost two decades later they broke that losing streak and snapped the Spurs home winning record. Stephen Curry, who is sure to win back-to-back MVPs, showed why he has become the greatest 3-point shooter ever. Curry was 4-for-9 on 3-pointers and scored 20 points in the second half.
It was a lackluster performance by both teams but the Warriors pulled away in the end to secure their fate in the history books. San Antonio was without Boris Diaw, who is injured, and Tim Duncan who sat out for rest. LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs with 24 points and Kawhi Leonard added 20 points but shot 7-or-22. Golden State is clearly the better shooting team and they proved that in their last two meetings. Curry led all scores with 37 points.
"Obviously, we're in the moment, enjoying the ride," Curry said. "The goal is to win a championship. That's the goal. But we put ourselves in a great position to end the season with a win and do something no team has done in the history. That's an amazing accomplishment."
Two goals left: beat the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday and win the NBA Championship in June. The finale game of the regular season looks to be a lock since Golden State is 3-0 in the series. The quest for ring No. 2 is the biggest hurdle yet. With no rest prior to the playoffs, the Warriors will have to maintain their determination and use that to fuel their run in returning back to the Finals.
"It's a whole new ballgame in the playoffs," said David West. "Hopefully, it will be another two months, month and a half before we see them again. Our job is just to keep improving and prepare ourselves now for a tough first-round matchup against whoever."