When the Golden State Warriors trailed the Utah Jazz by nine points after the first quarter on November 24, 2025, few expected the avalanche coming. But then, in the span of 12 minutes, everything changed. At Chase Center in San Francisco, the Warriors unleashed a 41-point second quarter — the kind of offensive eruption that’s become their signature — to blow past the Jazz 134-117. It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. And it came from the heart of their championship DNA.
The Second-Quarter Explosion That Changed Everything
Utah started strong, led by 21-year-old point guard Keyonte George, who dropped 14 points in the opening frame. But then, the Warriors turned the tide. Stephen Curry, at 37, looked like he was playing in his prime. He hit his first three-pointer of the quarter with 9:42 left, and suddenly, the crowd was roaring. Then came Moses Moody — back-to-back threes, one off a steal, the next off a Curry kick-out. By halftime, the Warriors had turned a 26-35 deficit into a 67-55 lead. The Jazz? They scored just 20 points in the quarter. Their offense stalled. Their rotations were slow. And the ball movement? As one YouTube transcript put it: "They cannot keep up with that. That ball movement is way too good."
Curry Leads, Bench Delivers
Curry finished with 31 points, six three-pointers, and four rebounds — his 12th 30-point game since turning 35. But this wasn’t a one-man show. Buddy Hield added 20 points and five rebounds, while Quinten Post hit a clutch three off a defensive rebound that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Even the reserves delivered: Moses Moody (18 points) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (14 points, 8 rebounds) were instrumental in keeping the pressure on after Curry sat. The Warriors’ bench outscored Utah’s 48-27 — a critical factor in their sixth straight home win.
Utah’s Struggles Continue
Keyonte George did everything he could — 28 points, seven assists, six rebounds — but he was surrounded by questions. The Jazz have now lost three in a row. Their offense is stagnant. Their defense is porous. After trading away Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert in 2022, they’ve been in rebuild mode, and it shows. Coach Will Hardy has talent, but consistency? That’s still missing. They shot just 39% from the field in the second half. They turned the ball over 18 times. And when Golden State pushed the pace? They were out of breath.
Where the Warriors Stand Now
With the win, Golden State improved to 10-9, sitting fifth in the Western Conference — 3.5 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers (12-4). But here’s the twist: they’re 7-2 at home, and their offense is clicking at a rate not seen since their 2022 title run. Their net rating in the second quarter? +21.3 — the best in the league over the last 10 games. This isn’t just luck. It’s rhythm. It’s chemistry. And it’s the kind of team that, if they stay healthy, could make noise come playoff time.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Warriors next host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, November 26, at Chase Center. Portland, at 8-10, is fighting for a playoff spot — this could be a trap game. Meanwhile, the Jazz travel to Denver on Tuesday to face the Denver Nuggets (13-4), who are second in the West. For Utah, it’s another test against elite competition — and another chance to prove they’re more than just a rebuilding team.
The Bigger Picture: A Franchise Reborn?
Golden State’s win wasn’t just about points. It was about legacy. They’ve won four titles since 2015 — and they’re still playing with that urgency. Curry, once thought to be fading, is now the engine of a team that believes it can compete again. Meanwhile, the Jazz — once a Western Conference powerhouse — are still searching for their identity. The gap between them? It’s not just talent. It’s culture. It’s winning habits. And right now, the Warriors still have them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Stephen Curry’s performance compare to his past seasons?
Curry’s 31-point, six-three-pointer game on November 24, 2025, was his 12th 30-point game since turning 35 — the most by any player in NBA history at that age. He’s averaging 27.4 points this season, up from 25.1 last year, and his three-point shooting percentage (41.2%) remains elite. This isn’t decline — it’s evolution.
Why is the Warriors’ second-quarter performance so dominant?
Golden State’s second-quarter dominance stems from their offensive system: constant motion, off-ball screens, and Curry’s gravity pulling defenders. Coaches have studied this for years — when the ball moves faster than the defense can rotate, they collapse. In this game, the Warriors averaged 1.28 points per possession in the second quarter — the highest in the league this season.
What does this win mean for the Warriors’ playoff chances?
At 10-9, the Warriors are firmly in the top six of the Western Conference, which guarantees a playoff spot. Their home record (7-2) is the third-best in the West. If they maintain their current pace, they’ll finish between 5th and 7th — a favorable draw. Their depth and playoff experience make them dangerous in a short series.
How has the Jazz’s rebuild progressed since trading Mitchell and Gobert?
Utah has drafted well — Keyonte George and Dalton Knecht show promise — but they lack a true star and consistent leadership. Their win-loss record (5-12) reflects a team still learning to win. They’re last in the West in offensive efficiency among teams with a winning percentage below .400. The rebuild is on track, but it’s slower than expected.
What role does Chase Center play in the Warriors’ home success?
Chase Center’s intimate design (18,064 seats) creates a loud, intimate environment that disrupts opponents. The Warriors are 7-2 at home this season, and their average home attendance of 17,920 is among the top 5 in the NBA. The energy in the second quarter, especially when Curry hits a deep three, often shifts momentum — something visiting teams struggle to recover from.
Is this Warriors team capable of winning another championship?
Yes — if they stay healthy. Curry, Klay Thompson (returning from injury), and Andrew Wiggins form a veteran core with championship DNA. Their bench is deeper than ever, and Steve Kerr’s system maximizes spacing and ball movement. They’re not the favorites — but in the playoffs, experience and rhythm matter more than regular-season records. This team still believes.
