UPDATE: The Golden State Warriors stunned the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 99-94 victory on July 15, 2023, led by a remarkable performance from Pat Spencer, who scored a career-high 19 points in his first NBA start. This unexpected win comes just as the Warriors were missing key players including Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler due to minor injuries.
Playing at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, the Warriors, who were 8.5-point underdogs, showcased their resilience and energy, overcoming a sluggish start against a Cavaliers team featuring all-stars Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland.
Spencer’s performance was nothing short of sensational. After being a college lacrosse star, he has fought for his place in the NBA and finally seized his moment. He made vital contributions, including back-to-back three-pointers in the fourth quarter that helped extend the Warriors’ lead when the Cavaliers threatened to close the gap.
“This guy is a competitor,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “It’s fun to watch a guy who has had to fight for everything finally get his moment and not only seize it but grab it by the neck.”
The game was tense, particularly in the fourth quarter, where Spencer’s clutch free throws with 4.1 seconds remaining sealed the victory. His emotional farewell wave to the Cleveland crowd after his first free throw showcased the significance of the moment.
Despite the Cavaliers rallying to cut the Warriors’ lead to 82-77 with seven minutes left, Spencer’s late-game heroics were crucial. Earlier in the season, the Warriors had suffered a disappointing loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, where Spencer had made headlines for his bold declaration, “I’m that motherf—er,” following a critical three-pointer.
“It’s deflating when you’re missing shots,” commented Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson, acknowledging his team’s struggles. The Cavaliers missed 18 of their 21 three-point attempts in the first half, leading to their downfall.
The win brings the Warriors back to 12-12 for the season after briefly slipping below .500, a crucial turnaround as they prepare for a challenging back-to-back against the Chicago Bulls. Notably, the team expects the return of Butler, Draymond Green, Al Horford, and De’Anthony Melton for the upcoming game, while Curry aims to be back by next Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Spencer to see if he can maintain his momentum and continue to impact the Warriors’ playoff aspirations. This thrilling victory not only highlights Spencer’s potential but also signifies the Warriors’ depth and determination in the face of adversity.
