Dub Hub: Steph Curry vows to play better after loss vs. Pacers

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Tuesday, December 24th.

In today’s Dub Hub:

• Steph Curry vows to play better after 111-105 loss to the Pacers.
• Jonathan Kuminga scores 26 points off the bench, says he’s ‘used to it’ starting and not starting.
• Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama and Pistons’ Cade Cunningham named NBA Conference Players of the Week.

The Golden State Warriors were unable to build on their previous win, falling to the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, 111-105. Despite keeping the game close, the Warriors couldn’t overcome a tough night from their superstar point guard, Stephen Curry.

Curry played 35 minutes but managed only 10 points on 2-of-13 shooting from the field. After the game, the two-time MVP took accountability, promising to play better.

The slump is part of a troubling trend for Curry in December. Across eight games this month, he’s shooting just 37.8% from the field and 35.2% from beyond the arc—a noticeable drop from his impressive November averages of 47.7% from the field and 44.1% from three-point range.

Adding to the concern, Curry has been dealing with knee tendinitis, which could be impacting his ability to create separation from defenders and find his rhythm. When Curry struggles, so does Golden State’s ability to generate offense. As they approach the new calendar year, they’ll need Curry to rediscover his form in order to save themselves from their current free fall in the standings.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Tuesday, December 24th:

Warriors News:

Steph Curry still searching for his rhythm as Warriors lose at home to Pacers | The Athletic

Curry mentioned the need to be more aggressive earlier in the game, noting that could mean putting him on the ball more often in the first quarter. Curry didn’t take a first-quarter shot against the Pacers and had only four in the first half, missing all of them.

“I’ll find a way,” Curry said.

Warriors’ Kuminga responds to Kerr criticism by starring off bench | ESPN

“Sometimes I start, sometimes I don’t start,” Kuminga said. “Don’t really affect me. [At] this point in my career, I can’t put my head down and not go out there and play hard or try to be effective. I just go out there and do my job because I can’t even worry about things like that. The more you worry about things like that, the more you fail.”

“I’m used to it,” Kuminga added of starting and not starting. “From where I come from, you always got to be mentally tough. A lot of people that are playing … if they were in my shoes, they’ll quit basketball. They’ll need a therapist. They’ll go through a lot of mental situations. But that thing don’t affect me. As long as I go out here every day and just play, be with my teammates, [they] keep encouraging me to be who I am every day.”

Kerr believes Warriors need ‘a-ha moment’ playing with Steph | NBC Sports Bay Area

“There has to be an a-ha moment,” Kerr said. “Like, this is our team, we have Steph Curry, he’s the greatest shooter of all time. He thrives on off-ball stuff. That’s why we pass the ball. We just have to make sure we are purposeful in our offensive execution.”

Kerr remains confident in his younger players and sees this as a stepping stone for both.

“One of the things I’ve talked to (Podziemski) about is really serving other players,” Kerr said. “He’s a typical second-year player, he’s trying to figure out who he is. He’s really talented. He can do a lot out there but we almost need him to do less. Just serving other people. Be that player who everyone loves playing with because you’re constantly looking for them.”

LeBron cherishing matchup with Steph, Warriors on Christmas Day | NBC Sports Bay Area

“Always. Any time you get an opportunity to get out on the court and compete against one of the greats to ever play this game, you don’t take it for granted,” James said. “I don’t know how many more opportunities we’ll get to go against each other, so it’s always fun.”

NBA announces Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant interview for Christmas Day on ABC

NBA News:

Joel Embiid ejected in chaotic first half of 76ers’ win vs. Spurs | ESPN

Driving to the basket in transition as San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama attempted to defend, Embiid plowed into the 20-year-old French phenom, knocking him to the floor. Embiid was whistled for a charging foul with 2:59 left in the first half.

Embiid stood up immediately and vehemently argued the call, leading to a technical foul from referee Jenna Schroeder as the center headed toward the Philadelphia bench.

Once near the bench area, a furious Embiid charged toward the officials and was restrained by teammate Kyle Lowry, coach Nick Nurse and several assistants as Schroeder issued another technical foul, leading to Embiid’s second career ejection.

Five Ways LeBron James Is (Finally) Showing His Age | The Ringer

Naturally, as he nears 40, that downhill locomotive has lost some of its steam. James has never been less likely to get to the rim. He’s never been more likely to take a 3-pointer. The efficiency of his drives has plummeted. The leading paint scorer of the 21st century now trails players like Jalen Johnson and Jaren Jackson Jr. in points in the paint per game. Giannis Antetokounmpo has become what James once was: the league’s best paint scorer and its top transition force.

Victor Wembanyama and Cade Cunningham named NBA Players of the Week

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

On the Warriors failing to flip the switch against a slipped switch

That was the story mired in the micro details of the game; the overarching theme was the struggle of Curry, who had a rough shooting and scoring night: 10 points on 13 shots, 2-of-9 on threes, and a 33.9% True Shooting mark. Moreover, a key Andrew Nembhard layup was made possible from a Curry defensive mistake.

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