On January 9, 2024, the Golden State Warriors squared off against the Detroit Pistons in a thrilling NBA matchup that provided fans with a high level of excitement and drama. With both teams eager to secure a win, the game was expected to showcase some of the league’s brightest stars and emerging talent. The Golden State Warriors, led by their veteran core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, have been one of the NBA’s premier teams for the past decade. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons, with a young and talented roster including their rising star Cade Cunningham, are in a phase of rebuilding but are eager to challenge higher-ranked teams.
This game had implications for both teams, with the Warriors looking to maintain their playoff position in the competitive Western Conference, while the Pistons, though in the midst of rebuilding, sought to build momentum and gain experience against one of the best. Let’s dive deeper into the box score and individual player performances to understand how the game unfolded.
Final Score: Golden State Warriors 119, Detroit Pistons 107
The Warriors came out on top in this contest with a 119-107 victory over the Pistons. It was a game marked by offensive brilliance, with Golden State’s potent shooting attack proving too much for the Pistons to handle. Despite a valiant effort from Detroit’s young players, the Warriors’ experience and star power ultimately led them to victory.
Golden State Warriors: Player Stats
Stephen Curry: 34 Points, 8 Assists, 5 Rebounds, 3 Steals, 1 Block
Stephen Curry continued his stellar campaign in the 2024-25 season with an electrifying performance that carried the Warriors to victory. Curry’s 34-point output was a mix of long-range bombs and mid-range jumpers, as he shot 12-22 from the field and 5-11 from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor and create offense for himself and his teammates was on full display, and his quick release and limitless range proved too difficult for the Pistons to contain.
In addition to his scoring, Curry’s playmaking was a key factor in Golden State’s offensive flow. He dished out 8 assists, orchestrating the offense with precision. He also contributed defensively with 3 steals and a block, adding to his all-around impact on the game. Curry’s leadership was crucial in the second half when the Pistons made a run to cut into the Warriors’ lead. His ability to make timely shots and create open looks for his teammates stymied any attempt at a Detroit comeback.
Klay Thompson: 24 Points, 4 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 2 Steals
Klay Thompson also had an excellent game, scoring 24 points on 9-18 shooting from the field and 4-9 from three-point range. Thompson’s shooting touch was on display as he knocked down several key three-pointers to keep the Pistons at arm’s length. While Curry was the main offensive force, Thompson’s ability to hit shots from deep helped stretch the floor and create space for the Warriors’ other players.
Thompson also contributed defensively, recording 2 steals. As a veteran presence, his experience was invaluable in helping Golden State maintain control of the game, especially when Detroit made its runs.
Draymond Green: 12 Points, 10 Assists, 7 Rebounds, 4 Steals, 2 Blocks
Draymond Green’s contributions were crucial to Golden State’s success, as he once again proved his value as a multifaceted player. With 12 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds, Green was a key facilitator in the Warriors’ offense. He created numerous open looks for his teammates with his vision and passing ability, making him a central part of the Warriors’ ball movement.
On the defensive end, Green made an enormous impact. His 4 steals and 2 blocks were pivotal in disrupting the Pistons’ offensive flow. Green was consistently in the right place at the right time, using his defensive awareness to shut down Detroit’s attempts to get easy baskets.
Andrew Wiggins: 16 Points, 6 Rebounds, 2 Assists
Andrew Wiggins played a solid all-around game, contributing 16 points on 7-15 shooting. Wiggins was effective both as a scorer and as a secondary playmaker, creating opportunities for his teammates while also finding ways to score efficiently. His 6 rebounds and 2 assists further demonstrate his well-rounded contributions to the game.
Wiggins also played strong defense, especially against Detroit’s wings, using his length and athleticism to disrupt passing lanes and challenge shots. His performance helped give the Warriors depth, which is especially important as they prepare for deeper playoff runs.
Kevon Looney: 8 Points, 10 Rebounds
Kevon Looney provided the Warriors with important minutes in the paint. He grabbed 10 rebounds, including 5 offensive boards, to give Golden State extra possessions and limit Detroit’s second-chance opportunities. Looney’s presence in the paint was crucial, as he not only provided rebounding but also set solid screens and offered an inside presence when the Warriors needed a scoring option down low.
Detroit Pistons: Player Stats
Cade Cunningham: 30 Points, 6 Assists, 4 Rebounds, 2 Steals
Cade Cunningham, the Pistons’ young star, put forth a strong performance with 30 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. Cunningham was the focal point of the Detroit offense, constantly putting pressure on the Warriors with his scoring and playmaking ability. He shot 12-22 from the field and 3-7 from beyond the arc, showing his ability to score in multiple ways.
While Cunningham’s offensive brilliance kept Detroit in the game for much of the night, his defense struggled against Golden State’s high-octane offense. Still, his ability to score efficiently and create for teammates was a bright spot for the Pistons in an otherwise tough matchup.
Jaden Ivey: 19 Points, 7 Assists, 3 Rebounds
Jaden Ivey, the Pistons’ explosive second-year guard, had a strong outing with 19 points and 7 assists. Ivey’s speed and athleticism were on full display, and he showcased his ability to attack the basket and finish through contact. He also played an important role in setting up teammates, tallying 7 assists to help keep the Pistons’ offense flowing.
Ivey did struggle with his shooting efficiency, finishing 7-17 from the field, but his contributions as both a scorer and a playmaker were crucial in keeping Detroit in the game.
Isaiah Stewart: 15 Points, 9 Rebounds, 1 Assist
Isaiah Stewart, known for his physical play and rebounding ability, added 15 points and 9 rebounds in this contest. Stewart provided Detroit with a much-needed presence in the paint, helping to battle Golden State’s bigs and create second-chance opportunities for his team. Stewart’s 1 assist also highlighted his ability to contribute to the offense beyond scoring and rebounding.
While Stewart’s effort was commendable, he faced a tough matchup against Golden State’s dynamic frontcourt, which limited his impact in some key moments.
Bojan Bogdanović: 12 Points, 3 Rebounds, 1 Assist
Bojan Bogdanović, Detroit’s veteran forward, had a quiet game with just 12 points on 5-11 shooting. While he was not as heavily involved in the offense as Cunningham or Ivey, his ability to knock down shots and stretch the floor was important. Bogdanović contributed 3 rebounds and 1 assist, providing some supplementary offense for the Pistons when they needed it most.
Jalen Duren: 8 Points, 11 Rebounds, 2 Blocks
Jalen Duren, the Pistons’ young center, had a solid performance in the paint, grabbing 11 rebounds and blocking 2 shots. Though he only contributed 8 points, Duren’s effort on the glass was important in keeping the Warriors’ second-chance points to a minimum. His rim protection and interior defense helped slow down Golden State’s attack in the paint, but he struggled at times against the Warriors’ speed and shooting.
Key Moments in the Game
- First Half Explosion by Curry: The Warriors jumped to an early lead behind a scorching first half from Stephen Curry, who had 22 points by halftime. His hot shooting from beyond the arc set the tone early for Golden State, and despite a valiant effort from Detroit, the Pistons couldn’t contain Curry’s offensive brilliance.
- Detroit’s Comeback Attempt: In the third quarter, Detroit mounted a comeback, fueled by the dynamic play of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. The Pistons cut the Warriors’ lead to just 6 points midway through the third quarter, but Golden State responded with a flurry of three-pointers from Thompson and Curry to regain control.
- Draymond Green’s Defensive Impact: Green made several key defensive plays down the stretch, including a critical steal off Cunningham that prevented Detroit from trimming the lead further. His defense on Cunningham in particular helped stifle Detroit’s offense when they were trying to make their final push.
- Pistons’ Struggles in Clutch Time: As the game progressed, the Pistons struggled to convert in crucial moments. Despite Cunningham’s heroics, the Warriors’ defense, led by Green, clamped down, preventing Detroit from getting easy looks and forcing them into difficult shots.
Conclusion
In the end, the Golden State Warriors came away with a 119-107 win over the Detroit Pistons. Despite a fantastic effort from Detroit’s young stars, including 30 points from Cade Cunningham, the Warriors’ experience, offensive firepower, and defensive tenacity proved too much for the Pistons. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were instrumental in the Warriors’ victory, combining for 58 points, while Draymond Green’s all-around performance helped lock down the Pistons in key moments.
For Detroit, this game was another