SAN FRANCISCO MARCH 13 (US): Klay Thompson has been waiting for his shot to start dropping constantly, and he definitely found a groove for Golden State against defending champion Milwaukee.
He didn’t force it, and he plans to build on this as he continues to learn during his comeback season. Grinning, he said he wanted to score 40, it sounds better, but 38 was great, the AP reports.
Thompson’s total had the season’s best and raised his right arm in a victory to ignite the local crowd as the Warriors edged past the Bucks, 122-109 on Saturday night.
“I was longing for a night like this,” Thompson said, “but the mid-season shooting slump wouldn’t kill myself, I still get out there and compete.”
Thompson fired 15-for-24 with eight three-pointers, his second 30-point performance since returning on Jan. 9 from a 21/2-year absence after knee and Achilles tendon surgeries.
“I’m sure that’s comforting,” said coach Steve Kerr. “He’s very hard on himself and desperately wants to succeed.”
Jordan Bull, a Milwaukee native, returned to the Golden State starting lineup and scored 30 points with five three-pointers to spend six rebounds and five assists.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 31 points and eight rebounds, but the Warriors’ defense kept the rest of the Bucks grounded. Milwaukee won six in a row.
This was a bad night for Milwaukee on the injury front.
New striker DeAndre’ Bembry, signed just last month when the Nets ceded him, injured his right knee and was helped into the locker room with 2:31 left in the third quarter. He went down hard along the sideline jumping to defend Paul’s 3-point attempt.
Pempri was undergoing an MRI scan.
“We just need to wait and see what that looks like,” said coach Mike Budenholzer. “…I felt like tonight was one of those nights where Clay was taking some strong shots, which were pretty well secured. His attacking and shooting were better than we could defend. Credit to him. It was a great night.”
Serge Ibaka received stitches in the first half for a laceration in his right eye after sustaining an injury in the first quarter. He came back briefly and scored 15 points.
1:58 The Warriors opened the first of the third quarter with an 11-0 lead to lead 78-58 ahead of the Antitokonmo basket at the 9:43 mark.
Andrew Wiggins added 21 points, six rebounds and four assists for the Warriors. Paul has started only for the second time in his last 13 games and hit 9 of 16, while Stephen Curry has eight points and eight assists in just seven shots.
“It’s crazy that an MVP only has eight points and we’re still winning against a really, really, really good team,” said Paul.
Golden State held Milwaukee with 41.3% of the ground and Khris Middleton was 3 of 11 in the first half before finishing with 18 points on a 6-for-19 shot. Bucks were 17 of 44 from deep.
WISEMAN . watch
Player of the Year James Wiseman will play his second game for the Santa Cruz Warriors in the First Division at home at Chase Center on Sunday, and Kerr can’t wait to grab it straight.
Wiseman, who has spent all season recovering from right knee surgery, played Thursday in Stockton and scored 18 points on a 7-for-13 shot to net six rebounds in Santa Cruz’s 109-99 loss.
“I was so happy to see him that night,” Kerr said. “I watched the tape and he seemed happy. He seemed excited and moving well. It’s been 11 long months for him. Excited for James because he’s back on earth. He deserves it.”
WIGGINS ON LINE
Kerr spoke to Wiggins about his free-throw struggles of late, then netted an All-Star just twice on Saturday.
“It’s been hard to lose a lot,” Wiggins said. “I can shoot. I know it will get better.”
It’s been 4 of 16 on the streak since the All-Star break entered the game.
“The most important thing is that it happens to everyone, maybe not Steve,” Kerr said.
Hint
Bucks: Milwaukee scored just one turn in the first half but passed 33-17, in part thanks to Golden State’s 49% shot. The Bucks dominated the boards from 55 to 39 overall. …George Hill (neck soreness), Pat Connaughton (right toe surgery), Lyndell Wigginton (right ankle sprain) and Brooke Lopez are still out.
Warriors: Kerr NF Draymond Green, who has been out of action since early January with a back injury that affected his calf, is “still on his way to Monday,” said Kerr. “A quarrel today.” His 5-year-old son, Draymond Jr., once again served as a towel boy near the team bench. … missed F Otto Porter Jr. For the fourth game in a row due to seasonal illness. He quarreled on Saturday and is expected to play on Monday. “He feels a lot better,” Kerr said. …Gary Payton II sat again with a sore left knee.
next one
Bucks: In Utah on Monday night.
Warriors: Washington hosts Monday night.