Scott Strazzante/S.F. Chronicle
Scott Strazzante/S.F. Chronicle
Scott Strazzante/S.F. Chronicle
Scott Strazzante/S.F. Chronicle
Scott Strazzante/S.F. Chronicle
Scott Strazzante/S.F. Chronicle
Scott Strazzante/S.F. Chronicle
Carlos Avila Gonzalez/S.F. Chronicle
Stephen Curry made his 4,000th career 3-pointer for the Golden State Warriors against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center. But basketball’s greatest shooter ever wasn’t the only Golden State great to secure a milestone Thursday night.
The Warriors secured a 130-104 victory for the 557th career win for Steve Kerr, tying him with Al Attles for the franchise record for coaching victories. Curry’s 4,000th career 3-pointer — a pump-and-dribble triple from the right wing with 8:19 to play in the third quarter — helped Kerr’s cause en route to 11 points and five assists.
So did a season-high 23 points from Draymond Green, 17 points and six assists from Moses Moody, and 22-of-39 shooting from 3-point range.
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Jonathan Kuminga returned from the 31-game absence — caused by a sprained right ankle on Jan. 4 — with 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Another sellout crowd cheered Kuminga when he first checked in and handled the ball.
The crowd also rejoiced Curry’s 4,000th 3-pointer with a standing ovation for multiple possessions.
With its sixth straight win, Golden State (38-28) remains sixth in the Western Conference, improving to 13-2 since debuting Jimmy Butler. The Warriors continue their seven-game homestand Saturday against the New York Knicks
Stifling defense on and away from the ball helped the Warriors construct a 57-34 lead with 5:35 to play in the first half. Drives were denied. Shots were contested. Help was timely, effective and swarming. Opposite their defense, connective offense resulted in open 3-point shots.
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Rhythmic passing and cutting led to 12-of-21 first-half 3-point shooting as the Kings hounded Curry on and off the ball. Draymond Green, Quinten Post and Gary Payton made three first-half triples apiece.
Kuminga assisted Curry’s 3,999th career 3-pointer, driving in transition and kicking to the corner before adding two driving, first-half layups.
But the Kings closed the first half with a 17-4 run via effective ball movement, driving and finishing. Golden State committed six second-quarter turnovers, seemingly attempting to force Curry the ball.
The run extended to 27-10 when Zach LaVine made two third-quarter triples that triggered a timeout from Golden State, leading 67-61 at 9:21. Curry’s landmark triple followed a driving layup that helped the Warriors retake command.
Buddy Hield (16 points) scored eight in the quarter, after which they led 96-83.
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Kuminga punctuated Golden State’s victory with three ferocious fourth-quarter finishes: a one-handed cutting mini-windmill from Santos, a cutting two-handed flush from Moody and an alley-oop from Green.
DeMar DeRozan led the Kings (33-32) with 23 points.
Reach Sam Gordon: [email protected]
