Oakland- The Warriors and the LA Clippers are meeting for the first time Tuesday night at the Oracle Arena. The game doesn’t count as it is a pre-season contest but the Warrior fans have been salivating to see their heroes. The Dubs lost six key players, and the coaching staff is hoping that the new players will mesh quickly with the Warrior stars. The Clippers and Warrior battles are well known, and neither team likes the other. The Dubs want to win, but Steve Kerr will probably not use his starters for the whole game. The game will also feature the debut of superstar Kevin Durant in front of the home fans. The fans gave him an ear-splitting welcome when introduced. The Warriors won going away. The offense behind Durant, Thompson and Curry looked magnificent, and none of the Clipper starters scored more than six points in the game.

The Warriors dominated play on both ends of the court in the first period. They had the offense going as they scored thirty-three points and held the Clippers to just seventeen. Klay Thompson led the Dubs with ten and Draymond Green added eight. Durant had seven and Steph had just one bucket for three points. The defense was strong as they held the Clippers to just nine points until Mo Speights entered the game. “Instant offense” Mo scored ten to lead his team in scoring in the first period.

The Warriors continued the onslaught in the second period as they scored thirty-eight points and held the Clippers to just sixteen. The offense was clicking on all cylinders, and the defense was superb. The Dubs shot 59.5% from the floor, 8-for-16 from three-point range and 90.5% from the free throw line. The Clippers, on the other hand, shot a woeful 24.4% from the floor, 3-for-13 on three-point shots. The Warriors had twenty-four rebounds and nineteen assists while all LA could do was seventeen rebounds and just eight assists. Klay Thompson led the Warriors attack with twenty-four, and Kevin Durant added eighteen. David West led the subs with six points in the period. Warriors lead 71-33 at the half.

In the third period, the Clippers could not make up any ground. Kerr removed the regulars with about four and 1/2 minutes left to play. The second unit kept the Dubs ahead by 51 points at the end of three. The fans began to leave the Arena as there is no doubt about the outcome. Dubs lead 102-51. Javale McGee, James Michael McAdoo, Phil Pressey, Patrick McCaw, and Cameron Jones are on the floor to start the fourth period for Golden State.None of the Clipper regulars played in the last quarter. Golden State wins 120-75.

After the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr made some comments about what he saw during the contest. Kerr said this about Kevin Durant” Durant did a great job tonight. Kevin can be devastating defensively. He is really good on defense when he applies himself.” Kerr also remarked that it was “very encouraging to see the level of play. The players are getting used to playing together” and that he was “very pleased with the progress. Forward Draymond Green pointed out that ” we wanted to play with more passion.” The Warriors were very passionate, indeed.

The Warriors resume play Thursday evening against the Sacramento Kings. They will play the game at the SAP Center in San Jose and game time will be at 7:30 PM.