SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 23: Stephen Curry and the Golden State starters were able to get off their legs for some extended rest down the stretch with another game in less than 24 hours.
Curry made a season-high eight 3-pointers and had 30 points and seven assists, outdueling former high-scoring teammate Jordan Poole in the Washington guard’s return to Chase Center, and the Warriors beat the Wizards 129-118 on Friday night.
Poole, traded to the nation’s capital on draft day for Chris Paul, made the first basket of the game following a video tribute with highlights on the big screen and finished with 25 points on 7-for-21 shooting but just 3 of 12 on 3s.“It was wonderful. The video and ovation Jordan got to me was the highlight of the game,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “So well deserved for what he did for our organization and for our fans and players and coaches, just the work that he put in and obviously becoming a key member of the championship team.
Jordan deserved that ovation. It was wonderful to see.”
Curry and Poole shared a hug before the game, when Poole made the rounds of embraces, hellos and greetings with former teammates, Warriors security, staff members and other friends.
Poole hit the first basket of the game on an 18-foot jumper then missed his next five attempts before a driving layup at the 9:39 mark of the second quarter. He went 0 of 5 from from deep before connecting.
Curry also overcame a slow start.
The two-time MVP began 1 for 6 but had five assists in the opening quarter.
He warmed up and connected on three straight 3s in the second and 11 consecutive points overall. (AP)
