Curry Drops 31 as Warriors Crush Jazz 134-117 in Home Win, Extend Dominance
The Golden State Warriors didn’t just beat the Utah Jazz on Monday night — they sent a message. Winning 134-117 at Chase Center in San Francisco, the Warriors snapped a two-game home skid with a performance that blended vintage ball movement, explosive shooting, and bench depth that left the Jazz reeling. Stephen Curry, the engine of it all, dropped 31 points on 12-of-24 shooting, including six threes, in his fifth 30-point game in six contests. It wasn’t just Curry. It was the entire machine.
From 11-0 Down to a Statement Win
The game started like a nightmare. The Jazz hit four of their first six shots. The Warriors missed their first six. Down 11-0, it looked like another frustrating night in the Bay. But then, something shifted. Jimmy Butler drove baseline, absorbed contact, and finished with a three-point play at 8:42 of the first quarter — the spark that ignited a 17-3 run. By halftime, the Warriors led 67-55 after dropping 41 points in the second quarter alone. That’s not luck. That’s rhythm.
The Warriors finished the night shooting 49.5% from the field and turned just 10 turnovers into 14 points off Jazz mistakes. They didn’t just win — they controlled the tempo. And the bench? A revelation. Golden State Warriors reserves combined for 52 points, led by Buddy Hield’s 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Moses Moody added 15, and rookie Will Richard hit back-to-back threes that stretched the lead when the Jazz tried to rally. Even Gary Payton II, starting in place of an injured guard, delivered a career-high eight assists and six rebounds. This wasn’t a one-man show. It was a symphony.
Utah’s Struggles Deepen
For the Utah Jazz, it was another painful step backward. Keyonte George led them with 28 points and seven assists, but even his energy couldn’t offset the team’s flaws. They lost their fifth game in six, fell to 0-5 on the road against Western Conference teams, and now sit at 5-12 — dead last in the Northwest Division. They were crushed on the glass, outrebounded 48-37, and couldn’t contain Golden State’s off-ball movement. As ESPN’s recap noted, "Utah dropped to 0-5 on the road against the Western Conference." That’s not just bad luck. That’s systemic.
The Jazz’s last road win in San Francisco? January 22, 2020 — a 129-96 blowout that now feels like ancient history. Since then, the Warriors have won 10 straight at home against them. That’s not just a rivalry — it’s a psychological chokehold. And with their next game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday night at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, the pressure is mounting. They’re averaging 126 points allowed per game. Defense isn’t just broken — it’s nonexistent.
A Tribute to Oakland, and a New Identity
Monday night wasn’t just about basketball. The Warriors debuted their new ‘The Town’ edition jerseys and matching court design — a heartfelt nod to their 47-year history in Oakland, California before moving across the bay in 2019. The crowd roared every time the old logo flashed on screen. It was more than nostalgia. It was identity. And in that moment, the team seemed to play with extra purpose — not just for the win, but for the legacy.
"That ball movement is way too good," one YouTube commentator wrote in the highlights posted just after midnight UTC on November 25. And they’re right. Golden State’s assist total? 32. They moved the ball like they remembered how to play together. After losing to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday — their first home loss of the season — this win felt like a reset. A return to form.
What’s Next?
The Warriors (10-9) now head into a stretch of six of their next eight games at home. They’ll face the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday and the Phoenix Suns next weekend — both playoff-caliber teams. But if they keep playing like this — with Curry hitting deep threes, Butler making smart reads, and the bench pouring in buckets — they’re not just sneaking into the playoffs. They’re threatening to dominate them.
Meanwhile, the Jazz? They need answers. Fast. Their defense is porous. Their bench is outscored by 14.3 points per game. And they’re now 1-7 against teams with winning records. Coach Will Hardy’s patience is wearing thin. If they can’t fix their rotation and stop giving up open threes, this season could slip into full rebuild mode by February.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just another win. It’s proof that the Warriors, despite injuries and roster changes, still have that championship DNA. Curry, at 37, is playing like he’s in his prime. The bench is deeper than it’s been since 2022. And their chemistry? It’s clicking. Meanwhile, the Jazz are a cautionary tale — a team with talent but no identity, no cohesion, no defense. One’s rising. The other’s falling. And the gap? It’s widening.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Stephen Curry’s performance compare to his recent games?
Curry’s 31-point night marked his fifth 30-point game in the last six contests, showing remarkable consistency. He’s averaging 30.7 points over that span, shooting 44.3% from three — nearly identical to his 2021 MVP campaign. His ability to sustain elite scoring without overusing possessions (only 24 shots) suggests he’s managing his workload intelligently, a key factor as the Warriors push toward playoff seeding.
Why is the Warriors’ bench so effective this season?
Golden State’s bench has scored 52+ points in three of their last four wins, led by Buddy Hield’s shooting and Will Richard’s spacing. Unlike past seasons where reserves were just role players, this group is now a second unit with offensive agency — averaging 48.9 points per game, the third-highest in the NBA. Their ability to maintain pace when Curry rests has been the difference between winning and losing close games.
What’s the significance of the Warriors’ 10-game home winning streak against the Jazz?
The last time the Jazz won in San Francisco was January 22, 2020 — a 129-96 blowout that now seems like a lifetime ago. Since then, Golden State has dominated every matchup, often by 20+ points. This streak reflects not just superior talent but psychological dominance — Utah’s players visibly struggle when entering Chase Center, and the crowd’s energy amplifies every turnover. It’s become a mental barrier for the Jazz.
How has the Jazz’s road performance impacted their playoff chances?
Utah is now 0-5 on the road against Western Conference teams and 1-7 against opponents with winning records. With only 11 games left before the All-Star break, they’re 10.5 games out of the 10th seed. Their defense ranks 28th in the league, and they lack a reliable closer. Unless they trade for a defensive anchor or find chemistry quickly, their season is likely headed toward a top-five draft pick — not a playoff push.
What role did the ‘The Town’ jerseys play in the game’s energy?
The new jerseys and court design honored the Warriors’ Oakland roots, triggering a wave of nostalgia that visibly energized the crowd. Players acknowledged the tribute during timeouts, and the team’s offensive rhythm improved after halftime — suggesting emotional momentum played a role. It’s rare for uniforms to impact play, but this was more than aesthetics; it was a reminder of the franchise’s identity, and the players responded with intensity.
What’s the next key matchup for the Warriors?
The Warriors face the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night at Chase Center — a potential playoff preview. L.A. is 12-7 and led by Anthony Davis and LeBron James, who’s averaging 26.8 points this season. If Golden State can win, it’ll be their fourth straight against a top-8 team, signaling serious contender status. A loss? It’ll raise questions about their consistency against elite defense.