Scoreboard
Warriors 104, Cavaliers 89
Heat 112, Wizards 97
Grizzlies 120, Clippers 108
Timberwolves 105, Spurs 90
Jazz 119, Raptors 103
76ers 103, Nuggets 89
What went down
The Golden State Warriors entered the fourth quarter down by 13 on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the Cavs were severely short-handed facing the best team in the league, Cleveland pounced on their road-weary foes through brute force in the paint.
But the thing about the Warriors is that they have Steph Curry. And, in seasons like this when Draymond Green is rolling and they have a suite of veterans that have bought into their system, they have the perfect compliment to unleash Curry.
It took Cleveland six minutes to score its first points in the fourth quarter. The Warriors’ switching and versatile defense completely shut down the Cavaliers to the point they managed just eight points total in the final period.
On the other end, Steph happened. There’s been plenty of conversation lately about how Steph is the best shooter of all time. What makes Steph truly special is how he leverages his godly shooting to turn himself into one of the most lethal offensive weapons ever. Steph without the ball – darting through screens and cutting into the paint – is just as dangerous as Steph with the ball.
It started a little crazy, then it became pandemonium. Curry scored 20 points in the fourth quarter and orchestrated their offense to a decisive win the Warriors earned mostly in the fourth quarter.
The Warriors are the best team in the league right now, sporting the best defense and second-best offense by rating. Yet, it feels like the rest of the league can still catch up when other stars get healthy.
When Klay Thompson comes back, it’s going to get spicy.
Big-time baller
Steph had to take this one home tonight. He hit nine threes – his 39th career game with nine threes or more – for 40 points with six assists, four rebounds, and three steals. It’s incredible that the former unanimous MVP seemingly still has another level to reach.
Steph CATCHES FIRE in the 4th quarter.
— NBA (@NBA) November 19, 2021
🔥 20 points (40 in the game)
🔥 4 threes (9 in the game)
🔥 36-8 @warriors closing run pic.twitter.com/wA6roNXwQr
What he said
Bam Adebayo was doing a postgame interview after the Heat torched the red-hot Wizards. When he found out the owner of Wade County was in the building, he had to pay his respects immediately.
Bam stopped his interview to talk with D-Wade 😂 🙌 pic.twitter.com/kOtpqYAidY
— ESPN (@espn) November 19, 2021
Did you see that?
The league’s smoothest scorer and best tweeter Kevin Durant made a special appearance on League Pass’ Hoopers’ Vision broadcast with Jamal Crawford and Quentin Richardson. KD is special on the court, but he might be just as entertaining just going off the cuff about hoops.
The BEST of tonight's #NBAHooperVision alternate NBA League Pass broadcast during the MEM/LAC game with @JCrossover, @QRich and special guest @KDTrey5! pic.twitter.com/KknE291xMR
— NBA (@NBA) November 19, 2021
