The Golden State Warriors fought hard to secure their place among the elite teams of the NBA, demonstrating their prowess on the court with a convincing victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night, January 23, 2025. The final score? A resounding 131-106 affair at the Chase Center.
Star player Stephen Curry led the charge for the Warriors, not only securing 21 points and dishing out seven assists but also celebrating his selection as an All-Star starter—marking his 11th appearance—earlier in the day. Comments on Curry's performance have echoed throughout the sports community, particularly as he is recognized for surpassing Paul Arizin for the most All-Star selections in franchise history. "Earlier in the day, [Curry] was named for the All-Star Game on his home floor at Chase Center on Feb. 16 — his 11th and 10th time as a starter," reported AP.
Quinten Post also made headlines, scoring his career-high of 20 points, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive output. Gui Santos added 19 points with five three-pointers, showing their depth and versatility as they handled the Bulls easily. The Warriors completed this game as part of back-to-back matchups—after a disappointing defeat to the Sacramento Kings just the night before. They were eager to flip the script, and they did, with great shooting and teamwork.
On the other side of the court, the Bulls struggled to keep up with the Warriors' relentless pace. Zach LaVine led Chicago with 24 points, and Josh Giddey managed 16 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Warriors' firing on all cylinders. Despite snapping their five-game losing streak with their recent victory over the Clippers, the Bulls could not capitalize on their momentum against the Warriors.
The game featured pivotal moments where the Warriors showcased their sharp shooting, particularly beyond the arc. Curry's impressive display from three-point land added another chapter to his growing legacy. He not only provided the crowd with electrifying plays but achieved yet another milestone on the three-point shooting charts, climbing closer to the 4,000 career three-pointer mark. His ability to drain threes seems almost unparalleled, especially as the league acknowledges him as the greatest three-point shooter in history. "Curry went 5 for 12 on 3-pointers," reported AP, highlighting his efficiency from distance.
Coach Billy Donovan’s Bulls seemed unable to establish any rhythm throughout the matchup. They fell victim to the Warriors' fast-paced and high-scoring style, unable to maintain defensive pressure. The Chicago team, without Coby White due to injury, simply lacked the necessary firepower. Donovan remarked, "Expect White might miss a week or more,” indicating the difficulties arising from the roster's current status.
Heading to the final quarter of play with the Warriors holding onto a solid lead, the tension was palpable among those hoping for the Bulls to close the gap. Wiggins and Post hit back-to-back threes late in the third, establishing their dominance and taking the score to 94-80, effectively sealing the game.
With this victory, Golden State improved their record to 22-22 just as the Bulls fell to 19-26 after suffering their inability to capitalize on offensive rebounds. The Bulls recorded 17 offensive rebounds against the Clippers, demonstrating their desire to fight for ball control; yet, their rebounding prowess did not translate effectively against the Warriors.
Both teams possess strength in shooting threes—averaging 15.9 and 15.2 per game, respectively—yet the Warriors capitalized on their experience and star power to impose their will on the game. With the Warriors' confidence bolstered following this win, they look forward to their upcoming matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers, with Curry's performance causing fans to dream of postseason glory.
Overall, the Warriors demonstrated their ability to bounce back from adversity and claimed their rightful place for the moment. The narrative surrounding Curry's stellar season and his leadership role will be front and center as the team prepares for the next challenges awaiting them. With playoff aspirations growing, their victory over the Bulls adds needed positivity as they look to build on this momentum.