Golden State Warriors (36-38) beat Washington Wizards (17-56) 131-126 at home on Friday, March 27. The Wizards led after three quarters, but the Warriors took control in the fourth.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Warriors had the better start, winning the first 38-25 to lead by 13 after one. The Wizards cut into the deficit with a 35-34 second quarter, though the Warriors still led by 12 at halftime.
The Wizards won the third 34-20 to turn the game around, taking a 2-point lead into the fourth. The Warriors took the fourth 39-32; the Warriors completed the comeback for a 131-126 regulation win.
What decided it
The Warriors made 28.2 free throws per 100 field-goal attempts, compared with 8.4 for the Wizards. The Warriors grabbed 21.4% of their own misses, while the Wizards recovered 12.8%. In a 5-point game, the points at the line gave them room for error elsewhere.
At roughly 104 possessions per team, the Warriors produced 126.5 points per 100 possessions to 121.7 for the Wizards.
The Wizards' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 64-36.
Who made the difference
Gui Santos was the game's biggest individual force for GSW: 27 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast on 8-12 shooting. His Game Score of 24.4 led everyone. His team was +5 with him on the floor.
Will Riley led the Wizards with 22 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast on 8-12 shooting, good for a 21.2 Game Score.
Brandin Podziemski (22 pts, 10 reb, 7 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Warriors about a 85% chance.
Across the last 3 meetings in our records, Golden State Warriors lead 3-0.
The Warriors are now 36-38, and the Wizards are 17-56. The Warriors last five before this game: L-L-L-W-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.