Warriors Set Franchise Record, Blow Out Hawks to Finish Road Trip

Dec 15, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) fouls Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) as he goes in for the layup during the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight, the Warriors were playing without Festus Ezeli, who was out with a knee contusion. Andris Biedrins replaced him in the starting lineup. Right now, however, the center spot isn’t really important, as the Warriors are working well with a Carl Landry – David Lee powerhouse working on the inside. On this night, the Warriors, in an entertaining game, beat the Hawks 115-93. This is the largest margin of victory for the Warriors this season.

In the first quarter, both teams started off hot, with Curry hitting 2 three pointers in a row. Fouls, however, were another problem, as Klay Thompson picked up two quick ones early.. again. Unfortunately for Klay, this meant that he would have a slow shooting night, as his track record shows. Klay finished with seven points, two less than he had in Orlando – not a good sign. The Warriors, however, did fine, with Harrison Barnes leading the way. The Warriors lead 23-22 with 1:30 left in the first. After an exchange of a few buckets, the game was tied 26-26 going into the second quarter.

At this point, the thing keeping the Warriors on pace with the Hawks was the continuation of Jarrett Jack’s hot shooting. Suddenly, he, Curry, and Lee lead the Warriors to a surge which put them up 42-31 with 6:00 left in the second quarter. From that point, the Warriors never looked back. Both teams played well after that point, however, and the Warriors were up 62-49 at halftime.

In the third quarter, they started out lighting fast, and pushed the lead out further to 18. Behind Lee’s efficient shooting and already double-double game, the Warriors were rolling and pretty soon, there was no reason to even try anymore for the Hawks. At the end of the third the Warriors lead by 20, 88-68.

In the fourth quarter, it was more of the same. After three minutes, both coaches took out their starters, and the reserves battled it out. After a disappointing loss in Orlando, the Warriors came back strong and defeated the Hawks by 22 points. They will for sure receive a warm welcome from their home crowd as they finished the road trip 6-1.

The key stat of the game was the Warriors’ 31 assists: this was a season high. I’m sure fantasy owners are quite pleased with Stephen Curry tonight. Curry lead the Warriors with 18 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds, as well as a two handed dunk.

Despite Klay Thompson’s slow 3/9 night, the Warriors were able to come away with a huge win.

Ready to hear this? For the first time in franchise history, not Wilt Chamberlain, not Nate Thurmond, not Chris Mullin, not Chris Webber, not Baron Davis, not Monta Ellis, but Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and David Lee, have lead the Warriors to a 6-1 road trip. This is truly a legendary day for the Warriors, and it may be symbolizing the start of a new era. Is WE BELIEVE coming back?