Kristaps Porzingis scored 28 points and added eight assists, while Gui Santos hit two crucial free throws with 11.4 seconds left to lift the Golden State Warriors over the Washington Wizards 131-126 on Friday at Chase Center. Brandin Podziemski contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists as Golden State won its third straight game.
The Warriors led most of the contest despite missing Stephen Curry for their 24th consecutive game. Washington pulled within five in the fourth quarter, taking a 111-106 lead with 6½ minutes left before Golden State regained control.
Santos, who scored a career-high 31 points in Wednesday’s win over Brooklyn, made key plays down the stretch. After Will Riley’s three-pointer brought the Wizards to 129-126 with 13.6 seconds remaining, Santos sank two foul shots and Podziemski intercepted the inbounds pass to secure the victory.
Porzingis provided an early lift, hitting two three-pointers and grabbing rebounds during a run that helped the Warriors build a 38-25 first-quarter lead. The big man finished with five three-pointers and seven free throws on 9-of-17 shooting.
Washington was led by rookie Will Riley with 22 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Bilal Coulibaly added 21 points, and Bub Carrington scored 16, but the Wizards could not sustain their late rally against a disciplined Golden State defense.
The win improves the Warriors to 36-38, keeping them in contention in the Western Conference, while the Wizards fall to 17-56 as they continue to rebuild after a 16-game losing streak earlier this week.
Golden State will face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, and Washington visits Portland. The Warriors’ late-game execution without Curry highlights the team’s depth and ability to close tight games.
