Indiana splashes Golden State, 112-104, despite uneven terms
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT PhilBoxing.com Wed, 07 Dec 2022
San Francisco, California—
It was the Larry O'Brien Replica Trophy Giveaway Night at Chase Center on Monday night, but someone must have forgotten to tell rookie Andrew Nembhard and the visiting Pacers that.
Never mind that the Warriors were on a 10-game win streak at home and the Splash Brothers were at about full-strength (sans Andrew Wigggins due to an adductor muscle injury).
Andrew Nembhard was only focused on winning as he scored a season-best 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists, pushing the undermanned Indiana Pacers to a 112-104 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.
Simply put, Nembhard created his own souvenir at the expense of the reigning and defending 2021-22 NBA champions as he out-splashed Klay Thompson who scored 28 points (eight 3-pointers)— moving up the NBA's career 3-point list on the six-year anniversary of his 60-point masterpiece against the Pacers.
The rookie Nembhard has outdone himself by guarding and limiting two-time MVP Stephen Curry to 12 points on 3 for 17 shooting.
"This guy has got amazing poise,” Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle told ESPN and NBA.com, “He's strong, he's old school but new school. He's special.”
The Pacers’ victory must have tasted bittersweet, for they were without Myles Turner (sore right hamstring), James Johnson (sprained right elbow), T.J. McConnell (non-COVID-19 illness), Chris Duarte (left ankle sprain) and Daniel Theis (right knee surgery).
The Warriors tried to throw everything but the kitchen sink at the Pacers, to no avail.
Not recorded statistically as an offensive and defensive foul, on replay, was a scary moment for the Warriors.
Just before the 08:00 mark in the second quarter, Draymond Green ran into a Pacer defender and was knocked down where he stayed for a full minute.
When he regained his bearings, Green urged Anthony Lamb, Moses Moody, Mychal Green to get more physical but could not contain Nembhard and company. Even Jonathan Kuminga fouled out trying.
Uncharacteristically, Jordan Poole had one and Steph Curry two air balls from beyond the arc which elicited groans from the fans, Filipinos and Americans alike, who are accustomed to 3-point festivals.
In sum, the Pacers beat the Warriors from near and afar, out scoring the home team 54-46 in the paint and 45-39 from downtown.
As a team, Indiana made 43 of 90 buckets (47.8% FG) and 15-39 treys (38.5% 3-PT).
As a team, Golden State made 38 of 94 buckets (47.8% FG) and a sub-par 13 of 44 treys (29.5% 3-PT).
The Warriors looked to have hit their stride, but will need to contain their turnover ratio and jitters in the paint if they are to stay within striking distance of the Western Conference division leaders.
The Warriors almost caught up late in the fourth, but the Pacers were just too good tonight.
Golden State had its 10-game home winning streak snapped, but here’s hoping they start a win streak away from home, for a change.
Upcoming:
Indiana Pacers: Visit Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night to end a seven-game road trip over 12 days that is the team's longest in 37 years.
Golden State Warriors: Visit Utah on Wednesday.
Note of Appreciation:
Photos, stats and video are courtesy of the NBA and brought to you by PhilBoxing.com.
Post Script:
It was also Polynesian Heritage night filled with dazzling Hawaiian, Tahitian and Polynesian dance and music performances, pre-game.
Here’s hoping my friend Tom Macasaet and his son Nathan Macasaet could join me the next time the Pacers are in town.
Everyone in attendance tonight, this PhilBoxing.com reporter included, got a souvenir replica Larry O’Brien trophy for posterity and Blue Splash Party towelettes courtesy of State Farm and the Golden State Warriors Organization.
