Warriors Dominate Hawks 120-97: Wiggins and Green Lead the Way
The Golden State Warriors returned to form on Wednesday night with a commanding 120-97 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Chase Center. Utilizing a fiery 24-2 first-quarter run, the Warriors built a lead that was never threatened. The win propels Golden State to the top of the Western Conference standings with an 11-3 record, giving them momentum ahead of their upcoming road trip.
Wiggins Shines with a Career Night
Andrew Wiggins delivered a near-perfect performance, leading all scorers with 27 points on an efficient 12-for-17 shooting, including 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. His energy was palpable on both ends of the floor, contributing 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. Wiggins’ aggressive offensive play and tenacious defense earned him an A+ grade for the night, with many calling it one of his best all-around games this season.
Draymond Green’s Throwback Game
After criticizing his own performance in Monday’s loss, Draymond Green bounced back in style. The veteran forward showcased his trademark versatility with 9 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, and elite defense that stifled Atlanta’s high-powered offense. Green’s leadership and defensive playmaking were instrumental in the win, earning him an A grade and reinforcing his All-Star credentials.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
- Steph Curry: While Curry didn’t have one of his signature scoring explosions, his 23 points on hyper-efficient shooting (7-for-10 from the field, 4-for-6 from three) highlighted his ability to control the game. With 8 assists and a 94.3% true shooting percentage, Curry orchestrated the Warriors’ offense masterfully, earning a solid A grade.
- Trayce Jackson-Davis: The rookie forward delivered an impressive double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. His presence in the paint and ability to disrupt shots stood out against Atlanta’s size, securing him an A- grade.
- Lindy Waters III: Starting in place of De’Anthony Melton, Waters excelled defensively, holding Trae Young to just 12 points on 12 shots. He also added 10 points and 3 rebounds, impressing with his hustle and earning an A grade.
Building Momentum
The Warriors’ dominant team effort showcased their depth and adaptability. With their stars and role players firing on all cylinders, Golden State heads into their road trip as the team to beat in the Western Conference.
This performance not only cements their standing but also sets a tone for what could be a pivotal stretch in their season. Next up: a chance to extend their win streak and further solidify their position as a championship contender.
Draymond Green’s All-Star Caliber Night
Draymond Green turned back the clock with a vintage performance that reminded everyone why he’s a cornerstone of the Warriors’ success. After calling his previous game “awful” and taking full accountability for the loss, Green responded emphatically. He stuffed the stat sheet with 9 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks, showcasing his ability to impact every aspect of the game.
Green’s defensive brilliance set the tone, as he disrupted Atlanta’s top-10 offense, created turnovers, and turned them into fast-break opportunities. His court vision was on full display, threading pinpoint passes to open teammates and controlling the pace of play. Despite a rare off night from three-point range (0-for-4), his leadership and impact earned him a solid A grade.
“He was everywhere tonight,” said Kerr. “That’s the Draymond we know—a leader, a playmaker, and a defensive force.”
Curry’s Quietly Brilliant Performance
While Steph Curry didn’t dominate the scoring column in his usual explosive fashion, he orchestrated the offense masterfully. Scoring 23 points on an incredibly efficient 7-for-10 shooting (including 4-for-6 from three), Curry added 8 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals to his tally.
Curry’s ability to draw defensive attention opened up the floor for his teammates, allowing players like Wiggins and Jackson-Davis to thrive. With a jaw-dropping 94.3% true shooting percentage, Curry proved once again that his value extends far beyond scoring.
“When Steph plays conductor like this, it makes us unstoppable,” Green said post-game. “He’s always one step ahead of the defense.”
Role Players Rise to the Occasion
The Warriors’ depth shone brightly in this win, with key contributions from their supporting cast:
- Trayce Jackson-Davis recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, consistently battling Atlanta’s size in the paint. His ability to finish around the rim and secure boards gave Golden State a crucial interior presence.
- Lindy Waters III stepped up in a starting role, delivering tenacious defense against Hawks star Trae Young. Waters held Young to just 12 points while adding 10 points and 3 rebounds of his own, proving his worth in high-pressure situations.
- Chris Paul continued to be a steadying presence off the bench, providing leadership and facilitating the second unit’s offense.
Looking Ahead
The Warriors’ statement win not only reinforced their position as Western Conference leaders but also showcased their ability to dominate against strong competition. With their stars firing on all cylinders and their role players making meaningful contributions, the team looks poised for a deep run this season.
Golden State now embarks on a four-game road trip, starting with a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Maintaining this level of intensity and teamwork will be critical as they face tough opponents away from home.
If this performance was any indication, the Warriors are rounding into championship form—and the league is officially on notice.
