The Golden State Warriors score last night was a 126-113 victory over the New York Knicks, but the raw numbers don't even begin to cover the weird energy inside Chase Center. If you just checked your phone and saw the final tally, you might think it was just another day at the office for Stephen Curry and company. It wasn't. Honestly, it was one of those games that keeps you glued to the screen because you have no idea if the wheels are about to fall off or if they’re about to go on a 20-0 run.
They won. That’s the big thing.
What Actually Happened with the Golden State Warriors Score Last Night
Early on, it looked rough. The Knicks came out swinging and actually led 35-30 after the first quarter. Without Jalen Brunson, who was sidelined with a sprained ankle, New York relied on Deuce McBride and OG Anunoby to carry the load. They combined for 50 points, which is kinda wild when you think about the defensive reputation the Warriors used to have.
But then the second half happened.
Stephen Curry, who had a strangely quiet first half—missing his first four attempts from deep—finally found his rhythm in the third. When Curry starts hitting those "how did he do that" shots, the atmosphere changes. He finished with 27 points and seven assists. But the real story? Jimmy Butler.
Butler was the engine. He dropped 32 points and grabbed 8 boards, looking every bit like the veteran leader this team desperately needed when they traded for him. Between Butler’s aggression and Moses Moody’s career-esque night from the perimeter, the Knicks just couldn't keep up. Moody went 7-of-9 from three-point range. It’s the kind of production that makes you wonder why his minutes are ever in question.
The Box Score Breakdown
- Golden State Warriors: 126
- New York Knicks: 113
The scoring was unusually balanced for a team often accused of being "Steph or bust." Brandin Podziemski chipped in 19 points and played with a level of "annoyance" that clearly frustrated the Knicks' backcourt. On the other side, Karl-Anthony Towns grabbed 20 rebounds, but even that massive presence in the paint wasn't enough to offset the Warriors' transition game.
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The Drama Behind the Scenes
You can't talk about the game without mentioning the elephant in the room. Jonathan Kuminga.
The news broke right around tip-off that Kuminga had officially requested a trade. He didn't play a single second. Seeing him sitting on the end of the bench in street clothes while the team celebrated a double-digit win felt... heavy. Draymond Green, never one to bite his tongue, told reporters after the game that Kuminga isn't a distraction, but let’s be real. It’s a distraction.
The Warriors are 23-19 now. They are surging, having won 10 of their last 14 games. But the roster feels like it's in a state of flux. Even with the golden state warriors score last night looking dominant, there’s this nagging feeling that the front office isn't done making moves before the deadline.
Why the Third Quarter Flipped the Script
The Warriors have had a "third-quarter" problem for a while, but last night they flipped it. They outscored New York 37-28 in that frame.
- Curry’s first three-pointer at the 9:44 mark actived the crowd.
- Gary Payton II provided a defensive spark that doesn't show up in the box score but forced three turnovers in four minutes.
- The ball movement actually looked like the 2015-era Warriors—fast, selfless, and a bit chaotic.
Injuries and Rotations
Gui Santos went down with a sprained left ankle in the first quarter and had to be helped off. It’s a blow to the bench depth, especially with the Kuminga situation leaving a hole in the rotation. Steve Kerr had to lean heavily on Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, which, fortunately for him, paid off big time.
Draymond Green also picked up a Flagrant 1 foul for a trip on Karl-Anthony Towns. It was classic Draymond—unnecessary, a bit reckless, and exactly what the home crowd loves to feed off of.
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Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the Warriors' trajectory this season, the win over the Knicks offers a few key takeaways. First, the offense is no longer strictly a perimeter game; Jimmy Butler’s ability to get to the free-throw line (though he only went 3-for-5 last night, his pressure is constant) creates space that wasn't there last year.
Next steps for keeping up with the Dubs:
- Watch the Trade Wire: With Kuminga officially on the block and the Kings and Mavericks interested, a roster shakeup is imminent.
- Monitor the Ankle Injuries: Both Curry and Santos are dealing with minor tweaks. In a crowded Western Conference, one week of rest for a star can drop a team from the 6th seed to the 10th.
- Check the Schedule: The Warriors face Charlotte on Saturday night. It’s a "trap game" if there ever was one, especially coming off the emotional high of beating a New York team and dealing with trade drama.
The Warriors are currently 8th in the West. Every game matters. Last night’s win proved they can handle the noise, but the real test is whether they can sustain this chemistry when the roster inevitably changes.
Next Steps for Your Warriors Coverage:
To stay ahead of the curve, you should track the specific return assets being discussed in the Kuminga-to-Sacramento rumors. Specifically, look for reports involving expiring contracts, as Golden State is reportedly prioritizing financial flexibility for the 2026-27 season. Additionally, monitor the injury report for Gui Santos; if his ankle sprain is Grade 2 or higher, expect an immediate G-League call-up from Santa Cruz to bolster the bench for the upcoming back-to-back.