By George Devine, Sr.

The Warriors won the last game of the regular season, `116-112 at Denver, secure in their possession of a sixth-seed in the NBA playoffs. Knowing that this matchup would not affect their future, the visitors played their bench. Jason Crawford rose to the occasion, scoring a career-high 41 points (his previous mark was 39), and Harrison Barnes poured in 30. Klay Thompson was the only first-stringer to start; he played 8 minutes and scored 8 points. Draymond Green came in late in the game when Hilton Armstrong fouled out.

Steph Curry and David Lee were on the bench in street clothes, after coach Mark Jackson’s decision to rest both of them for this game.

Randy Foye was the high scorer for Denver with 32. Anthony Randolph hit his high for the season with 19.

This will be the second consecutive year of postseason play for Golden State. But after a cracked rib injury was diagnosed, it seems certain the team will be without the services of center Andrew Bogut as the dance begins. Though Bogut is good for an average of only 7.3 points per game, his 7-foot frame is an amazing deterrent in the paint and he typically contributes 10 rebounds. It would be safe to say he prevents more field goals than he scores.

The Warriors travel to Los Angeles to face the third-seeded Clippers in the Western Conference playoffs with the first round tipping off at 12:30 p.m. PDT on Saturday, April 19.