It almost didn’t happen. The Golden State Warriors came back from a deficit that grew as large as 12 points, but watched it all melt away in the closing minutes of the game. I know I’m not the only that was having stress flashbacks of the last time these two teams faced off and a similar situation resulted in a painful loss.

Not tonight though!

Jordan Poole was fine. Not one of his finest nights on the court (maybe because of the added defensive attention given the Warriors short-handed rotation tonight), but there won't be much complaining about his team-leading 26 points. But the Warrior Wonder this evening (and no sorry, we don’t have those cool little logo circles for them any more) is Ty Jerome.

C.J. Holmes 🚀 @CjHolmes22

Steve Kerr says rookies Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Ryan Rollins were practicing in Santa Cruz today and didn't arrive at Chase Center until about an hour before the game. Both were called up with DiVincenzo and Green questionable.

5:48 AM ∙ Dec 29, 2022

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In the closing minutes of the game, it was Jerome that was hitting the big shots. No Curry, Wiggins, or Klay, but somehow the Warriors found enough life to stretch their win streak to three games.

Jerome had 17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal off the bench. His timely scoring inside and outside were enormous. There was a steal and then a jog up three-pointer that helped hold off the late Utah comeback.

Alex Espinoza IV @AlexEspinozaIV

Ty Jerome out here hooping. Gets a steal then pulls up for a go-ahead transition 3. Then Donte makes another 3 to make it a six-point game all the sudden.

5:09 AM ∙ Dec 29, 2022

It wasn’t perfect. Lauri Markkanen was lighting up the Warriors all night. Kuminga fouled out. But man… this was one of those random weeknight games that had no right being as good as it was.

This was the messy amalgamation that will have to work in the absence of Curry’s driving power. I seriously can’t get over how good Green’s defense was in the clutch, and watching so many of the end of the rotation guys come up big tonight was absolutely heartwarming!

Also, shout out to Patrick Baldwin, jr. Much like our beloved Kevon Looney, PBJ fell to the Warriors mostly because of injury concerns. If they manage to find another diamond in the rough, it would keep the haters churning for years - a whole second timeline of salty, salty tears.

Joe Viray @JoeVirayNBA

Patrick Baldwin Jr. is something the Warriors haven't had in a long while since Kevin Durant: a legitimate stretch 4 who can be a deadly pick-and-pop operator.

4:56 AM ∙ Dec 29, 2022

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Pardon the shortness. We will resume our in depth coverage tomorrow here at DNHQ. Unlike us, the Warriors will take tomorrow off before the last game of the year on Friday, when they host our old pal Gary Payton II and the Portland Trail Blazers. Rumors are the GP2 is still out, but rapidly nearing a return - at least he can stop through and pick up his ring.

Post publish update:

Saw someone ask in the Game Thread, but here’s the full snippet from postgame where Kerr talks about Wiggins being doubtful for Friday:

Marcus Thompson II @ThompsonScribe

Steve Kerr said Andrew Wiggins is doubtful for Friday against Portland. He needs a couple practices before playing. Wiggins got some work in today. It’s possible he could play, but unlikely

5:52 AM ∙ Dec 29, 2022

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