Warriors' depth provide major contribution in bounce back win vs. Nets

The Golden State Warriors got back in the win column with a 120-107 victory against the Brooklyn Nets in a valiant team effort.

Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler combined for 48 points, scoring 27 and 21, respectively. But it was the effort from the Golden State reserves that really told the tale of the game.

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The Warriors’ bench outscored the Nets’ bench 58-27. Trayce Jackson-Davis had 11 points. De’Anthony Melton, Will Richard and Gary Payton II each had 10.

The Nets were led by Michael Porter Jr., who ended the game with 27 points and nine rebounds. Brooklyn rookie guard Egor Demin scored a career-high 23 points on 7-for-14 shooting from three-point territory.

Golden State’s second unit came in defensive minded. They had high intensity and made the hustle plays, racking up eight steals and four blocks.

Golden State Warriors: News, stats, updates, injuries and more

Nic Claxton added 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks for Brooklyn, as they fell to 10-20. The Nets played their last game of 2025 and will face the Houston Rockets on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.

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The Warriors are back over .500 at 17-16. The Warriors' next game is Wednesday, Dec. 31 against the Charlotte Hornets.

Warriors vs. Nets highlights

1st quarter highlights

Brooklyn jumped out to a 10-point game to start the game, leading 18-8, with 7:33 remaining after a Michael Porter Jr. dunk.

The Nets knocked down six threes in the opening period on 55% shooting from deep as a team. Their biggest lead was 15.

The Warriors got a big boost from Trayce Jackson-Davis who recorded three points, two blocks and a steal in the first quarter to set the tone defensively for Golden State.

His presence helped spark a 15-2 run to end the quarter. The Dubs were down 30-28 at the end of the first period.

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Nets forward Michael Porter scored 10 points in the opening 12 minutes. Jimmy Butler led Golden State with eight points.

2nd quarter highlights

The continued to show up defensively forcing turnovers, getting deflections, drawing offensive fouls and making it difficult for Brooklyn.

Golden State seemed to find a rhythm and were in sync offensively, sharing the ball, finding the open man cutting to the basket.

The Warriors got great bench production in the first half, scoring 37 points in the first half.

Golden State ended the half with the lead, 59-57, led by Stephen Curry who had 10 points. Davis had nine points off the bench in the first half.

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3rd quarter highlights

Both teams traded baskets through the third quarter. Curry began to catch fire, scoring 10 points.

There were a couple of questionable calls where Curry made a three pointer and a pull up near the free throw line and believed he was in the act of shooting, but officials called both on the floor, not counting the shots.

Porter continued to score in bunches for the Nets. He was helped out by rookie guard Egor Demin, who had 17 at the end of three quarters.

Butler came alive in the period, initiating an 11-0 run by himself. He ended the quarter with 21 points. Warriors led 89-85 after three quarters.

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4th quarter highlights

Brooklyn’s Traore cashed in a three to open the quarter before the Warriors went on a 8-0 run.

Curry nailed a 25-foot three-pointer from straight ahead to pass Kevin Garnett at No. 21 on the NBA all-time scoring list.

Noah Clowney kept the Nets in it after getting to the line, making one of two, before hitting a three to keep Brooklyn within six.

Demin hit a career-high when he hit a corner three giving him 20 points.

Brandin Podziemski followed with a three of his own helping the Warriors eventually build a double-digit lead.

Nic Claxton went on a sequence with a block then back-to-back dunks to bring Brooklyn within six.

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A few plays later, Curry answered with a three-point play getting fouled and hitting a mid-range jumper.

The game was sealed when De’Anthony Melton blocked a Demin three-point attempt and scored on the other end. Will Richard followed with a steal and slam to put Golden State up 116-106. The Warriors would go on to win 120-107.

Warriors keys to victory

• Learn from last game's mistakes: After a loss to the Raptors, Golden State should look to focus on the little things that cost them the game in Toronto: taking care of the basketball, rebounding and continuous physical play. The Warriors cut their turnovers down to 14, and outrebound the Nets 40-34.

• Contain the Thomas-Porter Jr. Show: Defensively, there will have to be a heightened focus as the Warriors face volume scorers Michael Porter Jr., averaging 25.8 points per game, and Cam Thomas, who averages 22.3 points. Porter scored 27, however Thomas was held to 13.

• Defend the paint: It's easier said than done since Quinten Post is the lone 7-footer on the team, but the Warriors have to defend the paint better than they have. Not only were they outrebounded last game, but they also allowed 70 points in the paint. Nets only scored 30 points in the paint.

• More involvement from others: When the Warriors are passing the ball and everyone is involved they are a much better team. No matter how entertaining it is to watch Curry go on a flurry, guys have to remain involved in the offense and knock down good looks when the ball swings their way. Warriors' bench scored 58 points behind Davis (11) and Payton, Richard and Melton (11 each).

Warriors' next five games

• Dec. 31 at Charlotte Hornets

• Jan. 2 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

• Jan. 3 vs. Utah Jazz

• Jan. 5 at Los Angeles Clippers

• Jan. 7 vs. Milwaukee Bucks

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Golden State Warriors defeat Brooklyn Nets: recap, highlights