Warriors 122-114 Wizards (Jan 18, 2025) Game Recap
In a thrilling matchup on January 18, 2025, the Golden State Warriors secured a hard-fought victory over the Washington Wizards, winning 122-114. The game, which was a back-and-forth battle from start to finish, showcased the Warriors’ offensive firepower and ability to make key plays down the stretch. The win was a significant one for the Warriors, as they continue to push for a strong position in the Western Conference standings.
This game was not just about individual brilliance but also about how the Warriors executed their system effectively. Despite an impressive performance from the Wizards, led by their star guard Bradley Beal and rising talent Kristaps Porzingis, Golden State’s experience and depth ultimately proved to be the deciding factor.
Let’s break down the key moments, standout performances, and takeaways from the Warriors’ thrilling victory over the Wizards.
First Half: A Strong Start from Both Teams
The game began with both teams displaying aggressive offensive play, with early shots falling from both sides. Golden State came out firing, with Stephen Curry leading the charge. Curry, who had been nursing a minor ankle injury in recent weeks, looked fully healthy, and his trademark deep three-pointers and sharp playmaking set the tone early. He finished the first quarter with 12 points, including two long-range threes, and set up Klay Thompson for a couple of open looks.
The Wizards, however, were not to be outdone. Bradley Beal, as expected, played the role of primary scorer for Washington. Beal’s combination of speed, agility, and precision from mid-range kept the Warriors’ defense on its toes. His playmaking ability also stood out, as he dished out several assists to help create open shots for teammates. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis showed his full array of skills, hitting jumpers over smaller defenders and using his length to finish around the rim.
Despite the Wizards’ hot shooting in the early goings, the Warriors’ offense was just too potent. Draymond Green was particularly effective in the first half, facilitating the offense and playing solid defense on Porzingis. Green’s ability to orchestrate Golden State’s offense as the secondary playmaker was crucial in keeping the Warriors in rhythm. The Warriors entered the second quarter with a 32-28 lead, though it was clear that the Wizards were not going to make this an easy game.
Washington remained competitive throughout the second quarter. The Wizards were getting excellent contributions from their role players, including Kyle Kuzma and Monte Morris, who each knocked down key shots to keep the deficit manageable. However, the Warriors maintained a slight lead through the second quarter, with Curry scoring another 10 points and Thompson hitting a few critical three-pointers. Kevon Looney also played an important role, grabbing several key offensive rebounds and playing excellent defense on the boards, as the Warriors outrebounded the Wizards 25-22 in the first half.
At halftime, Golden State led by just three points, 60-57, but both teams were clearly locked into a high-paced battle. The high-scoring first half had set the stage for an exciting second half, and fans knew this game would come down to which team could execute more efficiently in the closing moments.
Second Half: The Warriors’ Resilience and Key Performances
The second half began with both teams looking to impose their will. Curry came out aggressive, hitting a pair of threes early in the third quarter to give the Warriors a six-point cushion. However, the Wizards responded in kind. Beal, who had been quiet in the first half, came alive in the third quarter, scoring 12 points and showing his ability to get to the rim. His scoring ability helped the Wizards stay within striking distance as the Warriors struggled defensively to contain his slashing game.
As the third quarter wore on, it became apparent that both teams were locked in an intense back-and-forth contest. Poole, who had been relatively quiet early on, began to find his rhythm in the third, scoring nine points on a variety of jump shots, driving layups, and free throws. His scoring helped relieve some of the pressure off Curry and Thompson, who were being closely guarded by Washington’s defenders. Poole’s confidence and aggressiveness were key factors in the Warriors’ ability to maintain their lead.
However, Washington wasn’t backing down. Kuzma hit a huge three-pointer in transition to cut the Warriors’ lead to just two points, and Porzingis continued to provide scoring in the paint. His ability to stretch the floor and create mismatches with his size was problematic for the Warriors, who struggled to defend him with their smaller lineup. With the Warriors up by four heading into the final quarter, it was clear that the game was far from decided.
The Fourth Quarter: Curry and Thompson Take Over
The fourth quarter began with a sense of urgency for both teams. The Wizards, trailing by four, knew they needed to make a push to get back into the game. However, the Warriors’ experience and poise showed through in the final 12 minutes. After a quiet stretch in the second half, Klay Thompson found his rhythm at the perfect time, hitting back-to-back three-pointers to give Golden State an 8-point lead with just under 8 minutes to go.
But the Wizards refused to go down without a fight. Beal continued to score at will, and Washington cut the lead back down to just two points with under five minutes remaining. At this point, both teams were in full battle mode. The tension in the building was palpable as every possession became crucial.
With the game in the balance, Curry once again showed why he’s one of the greatest players to ever play the game. With just over 3 minutes left, Curry hit a step-back three-pointer over Beal to push the Warriors’ lead to five. This moment seemed to deflate the Wizards, as their defense had no answer for Curry’s offensive brilliance. Curry added two more free throws shortly after to extend the Warriors’ lead to seven, and at this point, it became clear that Golden State’s experience was going to carry them to victory.
Draymond Green also made his presence felt in the final minutes, grabbing a key rebound, blocking a shot from Porzingis, and finding Curry on a fast break for an easy layup. Green’s all-around play on both ends of the floor helped seal the win for the Warriors, as the Wizards couldn’t muster another run to close the gap.
In the final moments, Jordan Poole hit a clutch mid-range jumper to extend the lead to 10 points, and with no timeouts left, the Wizards couldn’t mount a comeback. The Warriors closed out the game, 122-114, thanks to a strong team effort in the fourth quarter.
Key Player Performances
Stephen Curry was the star of the night for the Warriors, finishing with 34 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds. His shot-making ability was on full display, and his impact in the fourth quarter was immense. Curry hit multiple clutch shots, including a key three-pointer late in the game that ultimately sealed the victory. His leadership on the court continues to be the driving force for Golden State’s success.
Klay Thompson had a crucial scoring performance, contributing 22 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including 5-of-10 from three-point range. Thompson’s shot-making in the third and fourth quarters kept the Warriors’ offense in rhythm and helped stretch the floor for his teammates. His defensive effort against Beal also played a key role in limiting Washington’s star guard.
Draymond Green had a near triple-double performance, finishing with 8 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. Green’s defensive tenacity and ability to facilitate the offense were vital in keeping the Warriors’ offense humming while also providing much-needed defense against Washington’s key players. His energy and leadership on both ends of the floor were critical to Golden State’s success.
Jordan Poole, who had struggled with consistency at times this season, contributed significantly with 15 points off the bench. Poole’s scoring in the third quarter, when Curry and Thompson were being heavily guarded, helped keep the Warriors afloat and prevented Washington from gaining any momentum.
For the Wizards, Bradley Beal was the standout performer, finishing with 31 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. Beal was aggressive throughout the game and was the primary reason Washington remained competitive. His ability to score in a variety of ways kept the Wizards in the game, but ultimately, his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Warriors’ superior offensive firepower.
Kristaps Porzingis also had a strong outing, scoring 24 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. His scoring, especially from the perimeter, gave the Wizards a stretch-big option that Golden State had to account for, but like Beal, his efforts came up short in the end.
Team Stats and Takeaways
Golden State Warriors:
- Field Goals: 47-of-87 (53.4%)
- Three-Point Field Goals: 16-of-38 (42.1%)
- Free Throws: 12-of-14 (85.7%)
- Rebounds: 47
- Assists: 31
Washington Wizards:
- Field Goals: 46-of-93 (49.5%)
- Three-Point Field Goals: 13-of-37 (35.1%)
- Free Throws: 9-of-11 (81.8%)
- Rebounds: 43
- Assists: 26
The Warriors shot the ball at a high percentage, with their offensive efficiency helping them keep pace with the Wizards. The Warriors’ ball movement, as reflected in their 31 assists, was one of the key factors in breaking down Washington’s defense.
Conclusion: Warriors’ Depth and Execution Shine Through
The Golden State Warriors proved their resilience in a hard-fought win over the Washington Wizards. Despite strong individual performances from Beal and Porzingis, the Warriors’ depth, experience, and clutch play down the stretch allowed them to secure the victory. Curry’s brilliance, Thompson’s sharpshooting, and Green’s leadership were the driving forces behind the win, but contributions from Poole and Looney were also critical in the team’s success.
As the Warriors continue their push for a high playoff seed in the Western Conference, this win shows their ability to execute when it matters most. Golden State’s offensive firepower, coupled with the defensive acumen of Green and the steady play of their role players, makes them a dangerous team heading into the second half of the season. With the victory, the Warriors improve their record to 27-16, solidifying their position in the top half of the West.
