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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

On Monday night, the squad with a closing championship window faced the young and athletic Detroit Pistons. Despite a promising start from Stephen Curry, the Warriors struggled, shooting just 2 for 12 on 3-point in the third. However, as the game progressed, the Warriors thrived on the back of their hustle plays, excelling in rebounding, fast breaks, and points in the paint.

While Stephen Curry played a pivotal role in keeping the Warriors in the game and ultimately sealing the victory, it’s worth noting that significant contributions came from his teammates as well. It appeared as though the Warriors had learned from their previous encounter with the Cleveland Cavaliers, rectifying the mistakes they had made in that game.

1. Despite a slump in between, Stephen Curry delivered

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In a historic NBA feat, Stephen Curry is now the first player to sink four or more three-pointers in each of the initial eight games of the season. The remarkable feat was induced by Stephen Curry’s explosive 16-point first-quarter heroics. Although, following the destruction, Curry faced a brief offensive dip at a point in the game. However, Curry’s ability to constantly adapt and evolve his game over the years became evident once again.

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Resilient as ever, Curry picked up the pace, delivering consistent and efficient plays throughout the game; be it contested threes or lefty lays in the final minutes. As the final buzzer sounded, Curry amassed an impressive 34 points. Furthermore, the game marks the fourth time Curry sank more than seven three-pointers in a game this season. Throughout the match, Curry defied his age, leaving the youthful Detroit team in the dust.

2. Chris Paul finally gets back to his scoring ways

It seems like Chris Paul has rediscovered his scoring touch with the Warriors. The stint was much needed as Paul managed only 8 points in the last three games. In the game against the Pistons, his shooting prowess made a comeback. Paul went 6 for 9 from the field, including a couple of successful shots beyond the arc. Furthermore, while orchestrating 6 assists, CP3 tallied 17 points. The game marks his highest-scoring performance of the season. Additionally, Paul only logged 21 minutes, his lowest this season; shedding light on the narrative that he has found his niche and role within the squad.

Chris Paul firmly believes in setting the tone early in the season. He believes that in doing so, the whole outcome of the season can be benefitted. Fortunately, it is a mindset shared by the Warriors as well. However, it is important to acknowledge that Paul’s consistency has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride throughout the game. He has yet to achieve a stretch of games with numbers that do justice to his potential. Nonetheless, if Paul has indeed discovered his rhythm, it could potentially elevate the Warriors’ prospects for a dominant run in the 2023-24 season.

USA Today via Reuters

Paul surpassed Gary Payton on the all-time scoring list for the 37th spot in the game. Interestingly, Gary Payton’s son, Gary Payton II, is Paul’s current teammate in the Warriors.

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3. Dario Saric is proving to be a great asset

The Warriors’ victory against the Pistons was a result of a collective team effort. Working together, the squad outrebounded the athletic Pistons. Draymond Green led the way with 9 rebounds. Andrew Wiggins, Kevin Looney, and Gary Payton II each contributed 6 rebounds. However, it was Dario Saric who truly stood out among them all. Not only did he secure 6 boards, but he also scored 12 points with an impressive 50% shooting efficiency.

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Saric’s impact was particularly felt during the Warriors’ third-quarter comeback. Despite leading in the first half, the Warriors allowed the Pistons to go on a 17-3 run late in the third. In response, the Warriors mounted a 9-2 run of their own; with Dario Saric contributing six of those crucial points. His scoring primarily came from multiple and-1 layups, showcasing his vital role in the team’s resurgence.

With such a cohesive side, and the well-oiled engine of Steph-Klay-Draymond that is the core of their dynasty still clicking, can the Warriors make ring #5 a reality this season?