Utah win sets the tone for Warriors’ long road trip
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NBA teams have forever believed that the first game of a long road trip sets the tone for the entire trek.
“I think it was a great way to set the tone, but you also let the other teams know that: ‘When we’re coming to town, you’re going to have to take it from us,’” interim head coach Luke Walton said.
Even sixth man Andre Iguodala, the team’s resident cynic, believes that winning the first game of their two-week, seven-game journey will provide the Warriors with the needed momentum to continue their winning streak.
“I’d like to think so, but we’ve never been in this position where we’re the defending champions,” said Iguodala, who then stepped away from the interview to find some knockable wood.
The NBA schedule makers have been good to point guard Stephen Curry, sending the Warriors through Charlotte for Thanksgiving last season and giving him a three-day stop in his hometown this season.
The point guard watched his alma mater, Davidson, play in Charlotte on Tuesday, will get to see his father, Dell, honored during the game between the Warriors and Hornets on Wednesday, and is planning to mix in a round of father-son golf Thursday.
Forward Harrison Barnes, who will miss his third straight game with a sprained left ankle Wednesday, took one-footed shots in his socks after Tuesday’s practice. …