The Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday at Oracle Arena.
In their first game back from the 2018 NBA All-Star break, the reigning NBA champion Golden State Warriors looked reinvigorated against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday at Oracle Arena, winning the contest 134-127.
The Warriors surprisingly opened the night strong with a 34-23 first quarter, starting JaVale McGee over Zaza Pachulia for some much needed energy and athleticism. The Clippers displayed some signs of life in the second, but they failed to make a significant enough change, allowing the Warriors to keep their double-digit lead.
Holding a 70-58 lead out of halftime, the Dubs lost the third quarter 34-31. They ended the night with a 32-35 fourth quarter to close out the game.
The Warriors improve their regular season record to 45-14, taking one step closer to retaking the first seed in the Western Conference. The Dubs remain half a game behind the Houston Rockets, who hold a 10-game lead over the third-seeded San Antonio Spurs and fourth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves.
Golden State will play again in Oakland on Saturday, hosting Russell Westbrook, Paul George and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game tips off at 5:30 p.m. PST.
Thursday night vs. LAC
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Stephen Curry paced the Warriors on Thursday against the Clips, posting 44 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two steals in 36 minutes.
He shot 14-of-19 shooting from the field, 8-of-11 from behind the arc and 8-of-8 from the free throw line.
Kevin Durant dropped in 24 points, two rebounds, eight assists and two blocks in 37 minutes of play, shooting 7-of-15 from the field and 8-of-10 from the charity stripe.
Klay Thompson finished with 19 points, two rebounds, one assist and one block on 8-of-14 shooting from the field after starting the game 7-of-7.
Thompson was also a team-high +14 in his 35 minutes, playing well on both ends of the floor.
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Draymond Green tallied 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block on 5-of-8 shooting, while David West added 10 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block on 4-of-4 shooting off the bench.