Stephen Curry scored 31 points, including six 3-pointers, to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 134-117 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday at Chase Center. The win improves Golden State to 10-9 as the team overcame an early 11-0 deficit.
Curry emphasized the importance of response and focus following the quick timeout called after Utah’s fast start. “We responded after that quick timeout, coach took lit a fire underneath us,” Curry said. “I’m just glad the way we responded as a whole. We know we can play better, but it’s nice to have a little offensive rhythm tonight and see the ball go in after a rough start.”
Golden State committed only 10 turnovers while scoring 14 points off 17 Jazz miscues, with bench players contributing 52 points, including 20 from Buddy Hield. Moses Moody added 15 points and six rebounds, while Gary Payton II recorded nine points, a career-high eight assists, and six rebounds in a rare start.
Curry acknowledged defensive lapses early in the game, particularly Keyonte George getting hot for Utah. “That was just about lack of focus,” Curry said. “We let Keyonte get hot to start. Talents like that, they’re going to score, but we gave them four wide-open threes. Anybody knows that shouldn’t happen in this league if you’re keying on their best scorers.”
Despite missing Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga, Curry credited teammate Gary Payton II for filling the facilitating role. “Nobody can do what Draymond does, but GP does it his own way with his athletic ability to get downhill, DHO, set good screens,” Curry said. He also noted the chemistry he shares with Payton and Quinten Post in pick-and-roll and off-ball actions.
Curry spoke on the team’s adjustments without key players, highlighting the need for aggressiveness in scoring. “I had a rough start, but without Draymond, JK, Al, spacing is different and you go to work one-on-one,” he explained. “GP did a great job tonight filling that gap. Buddy came in aggressive to score. Pat changed the game in the second quarter, pushing the tempo and getting our energy going.”
Looking ahead, Curry emphasized keeping sidelined players engaged. “JK watches film, practices, and understands our conversations. You can’t lose a feel for what we’re trying to do,” he said. “He’ll be held to the same standard when he comes back.”
The Warriors’ efficient offense and defensive adjustments allowed them to erase the early deficit, outscoring Utah 41 points in the second quarter to seize control. Keyonte George led the Jazz with 28 points, while Lauri Markkanen added 17, but Utah shot just 47% and lost its fourth straight game.
Golden State returns home Wednesday to face the Houston Rockets, while Utah hosts Sacramento on Friday.
