INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Golden State Warriors won three of four quarters — but it was the one they didn’t that cost them.
A rough final frame doomed the Dubs on Saturday night, as they fell 114–109 to the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, extending their road losing streak to three. Despite another strong night from Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler III, and Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors couldn’t hold off a late Indiana surge.
A Game of Runs, a Quarter to Forget
For most of the night, it looked like Golden State was in control. The Warriors won the first, second, and third quarters — moving the ball beautifully, locking in defensively, and feeding off Butler’s physicality and Curry’s rhythm.
Then came the fourth.
The Pacers erupted, outscoring the Warriors 33–22 in the final 12 minutes. Guard Quenton Jackson exploded for a career-high 25 points and 10 assists, while Aaron Nesmith (31) and Pascal Siakam (27) combined for 58 points.
Indiana — winless until now — found life. The Warriors, meanwhile, found frustration.
Butler’s Brilliant 2-for-1
Even in defeat, Jimmy Butler III delivered one of the game’s signature moments.
Late in the third quarter, Butler executed a masterclass in clock awareness — going 2-for-1 to perfection. With 28 seconds left on the game clock and the shot clock winding down, he buried a fadeaway baseline jumper.
That left just enough time for another possession. On the next play, Butler crossed over, spun left, and hit a stunning up-and-under buzzer-beater through contact — plus the foul. He sank the free throw to complete the three-point play.
Five points in 28 seconds. Pure Jimmy.
“That’s the kind of play that sets the tone for us,” said Steve Kerr. “He’s built for those moments.”
Kuminga Keeps Attacking the Rim
Jonathan Kuminga continues to evolve into one of the most dangerous rim attackers in the league.
The 21-year-old threw down four dunks in the game — a poster over Aaron Nesmith in the first, two blow-by slams in the third, and a hammer finish from the dunker’s spot in the fourth.
Kuminga’s aggression and vertical dominance have become a weapon the Dubs rely on nightly. He finished with 17 points, marking his fifth game this season with 17+.
“I’m just trying to stay downhill and trust the work,” Kuminga said postgame.
Draymond Makes History
Another night, another milestone for Draymond Green.
Green grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds, passing Paul Arizin for fifth all-time in Warriors franchise history (6,129 rebounds).
Starting once again at center, Draymond anchored a smaller, more versatile lineup — with Brandin Podziemski inserted in place of Quinten Post. The move paid off early, as Podziemski scored 16 points and was the only starter with a positive plus-minus (+7).
Curry Steady, Warriors Still Searching
Stephen Curry led the team with 24 points, while Butler added 20 and Kuminga 17. Golden State’s offensive flow looked fluid through three quarters — spacing, cuts, and rhythm all clicking — before fatigue set in late.
Still, it wasn’t a lost night. The Warriors showed heart, resilience, and flashes of what makes this squad dangerous when it all connects.
They just need to close.
Up Next: The Suns Come to Town
The Warriors (4–3) return home to Chase Center on Tuesday night for a marquee matchup against Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns.
Expect a fired-up home crowd — and a Warriors team eager to bounce back.
