The victory was the result of a team effort, as both the starters and second unit each had their critical contributions, from opening tip through the final buzzer, that led to the Warriors’ win.
The tone was set in the first quarter by Stephen Curry, who was celebrating his 33rd birthday, when he started the game off with a bang: he splashed a 3-of-4 early three-pointers for a 14-point quarter.
It was more than his hot hand that had an impact in the first 12 minutes though, as the team’s defense was put on full display. The Warriors scored on consecutive scoring plays that were both initiated on the defensive end. Tied 2-2, Andrew Wiggins stripped a driving Bojan Bogdanovic, drove the ball up court, did a quick give-and-go with Curry, then finished the play with a two-handed jam. Curry knocked the ball away from Donovan Mitchell on the Jazz’ next possession, which Green then took down court for two points after following up his initial missed attempt.