If you subtract the second quarter, in which they reverted to the uninspired, defensively unsound manner of recent games, the Warriors resorted to a formula Friday night that can bring cheer back to Chase Center.
While the result won't diminish efforts to improve the roster, it was largely a demonstration of team basketball. Unlike the group that suffered two losses this week, the Warriors clearly valued possessions and were determined to go for the win.
These were the decisive factors in Golden State's 140:131 victory over the Bulls in Chicago. And they should reverberate throughout the roster, the coaching staff and the front office – and perhaps beyond the league after the outstanding performances of Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga.
“The whole group, the whole team was just determined: 'Let's go out and win,'” coach Steve Kerr told reporters at the United Center. “I'm very proud of her. They took a lot of heat; We've all been in a lot of heat over the last week. Rightly so. But that's exactly what you do as a professional. A lot of these guys are champions. You have to react, and that’s what they did.”
The reaction felt like a revival. It's not like the Warriors suddenly look like a contender. That can never be determined by a game between mediocre teams, none of whom consistently defend. We return to defense because it remains Golden State's most persistent problem.
But these warriors were energetic, connected and mindful. They recorded 39 assists with just three turnovers (plus two team turnovers). They beat the Bulls by making eight more shots, grabbing eight more rebounds and scoring more points on second chances (21-10) and fast breaks (19-12).
The Warriors showed a certain amount of pride, something they lacked in their last two games, disastrous losses to the Raptors and Pelicans.
“The last two games we just felt like they were anomalies of the season,” Klay Thompson told NBC Sports Bay Area. “We fought so hard and lost so many close battles. We didn't let ourselves be discouraged. We know it's a long season with ups and downs.
“Even though we were probably outscored by 100 points overall, we responded.”
In fact, the Warriors have lost their last two games by a total of 51 points. It might have felt like 100, as the rare, well-deserved boos echoed off the Chase Center walls.
“We've been off track emotionally and spiritually the last few games,” Kerr said. “Our fans could feel it. For the first time since I've been here, ten years ago, we were booed. And like I said, we deserved it both nights because our energy and competitive spirit wasn't there. We found that again tonight.”
No one emerged from the darkness with more vigor than Wiggins, who is having the worst season of his NBA career. He made his second start since December 12th and posted an efficient 17 points, eight assists, five rebounds, one block and one steal.
After the Warriors made Wiggins available in the trade, the Warriors had to like his performance, according to sources from multiple leagues. This also applies to NBA scouts. One game can't make or break a season, but Wiggins reminded observers of his value when fully committed.
“Wiggs was great,” Kerr said. “I played a fantastic game. He put Coby White under pressure early in the third quarter and we were a little more physical. We got going well, had a great third quarter and that set the game up for us.”
The Warriors want to keep Kuminga, who is coveted by several teams. But he is not untouchable. The third-year NBA forward came off the bench for the first time in a month and scored 24 points and five rebounds in 24 minutes.
Golden State needed everything they got from Wiggins and Kuminga, as well as Thompson (30 points) and Stephen Curry (27). The 45-20 score in the second quarter resulted in a 13-point halftime deficit that required a tremendous second half to get back into the game.
“It’s kind of crazy,” Kerr said. “We had 39 assists and five turnovers, and it’s still a game down the stretch.”
Which brings the evening to its ugly side. Golden State's defense continued its trend of ferocity. Despite ranking in the bottom 10 on offense, Chicago is the third straight team to break the 70-point mark in the first half and takes a 75-62 lead into the locker room. The Bulls shot 69 percent at halftime, including 75 percent in the second quarter.
So the Warriors' biggest problem still exists.
“The taste was a bit bad in the last two games,” said Dario Saric. “We weren't there. We didn't take part. Maybe we competed as players, but we didn't compete as a team.
“We have a mission to accomplish. Every position, 100 percent, 100 percent. So we have to come back.”
Every comeback requires this “mission” mentality. That evening it was enough for two wins. The game leaves a good impression on teams scouting the Warriors for trade options.
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