The 2013-14 season of the National Basketball Association (NBA) kicked-0ff with sky-high expectations for the campaign of the Golden State Warriors. After giving an experienced San Antonio Spurs team a run during the second round of the playoffs last season, the young team from Oakland, California solidified themselves on the map as a team to fear in the Western Conference. The Warriors exposed their talents once again on February 6, 2014 as the team took down the Chicago Bulls on their home court.
Both teams had slim rosters: starters David Lee and Andrew Bogut sat out for Golden State due to shoulder and hip injuries, while Chicago star Carlos Boozer was rested because of his recent calf-strain.
As the game began, the Warriors struggled to play with an explosive, fast pace. As a result, the Bulls controlled the beginning of the game and took a 29-16 lead after the first quarter. At this point, the Warriors realized they would lose this match if something was not done. Quickly thereafter, Golden State came together and produced a solid quarter of scoring, and more aggressive defense to take a 50-46 at the half. The Warriors’ Head Coach Mark Jackson was very impressed by the team’s efforts in the second period.
Golden State went on with their bold efforts to take the game 102-87. This win was made possible largely in part of All-Stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson’s prolific night of shooting. Sometimes referred to as the “Splash Brothers”, Curry and Thompson combined for 56 points against Chicago.
After this win, the Golden State Warriors hold the number six seed in the Western Conference. However, if they are to make a playoff appearance for the second consecutive season, they must continue to play fast-paced so they do not fall behind.