Tag: Golden State Warriors

Warriors start the four-game road trip with a win over Wizards 123-112

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The Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul (3) is defended by the Washington Wizards guard Jared Butler (center) and forward Marvin Bagley III in the first half at the Capital One Center in Washington DC on Tue Feb 27, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors beat the Washington Wizards 123-112 at the Capital One Center in Washington DC to start a four-game road trip. The Warriors have now won 11 of the last 14 games played. Warriors head coach, Steve Kerr, changed his lineup.

Andrew Wiggins had the night off. Kerr inserted Moses Moody into the starting lineup. The Warriors welcomed back point guard Chris Paul. Paul broke his left hand on January 5th in a game against the Detroit Pistons.

The Warriors were favored to beat the Wizards as Washington is having a dismal season. The Wizards traded for Jordan Poole. Poole was removed from the starting lineup as he was not performing the way he did when he was with the Warriors. But, as the fans know, anything can happen in a basketball game. The Warriors had to be careful not to let the Wizards pull off the upset. The Wizards played well in the first half and trailed by two 60-58 at halftime.

In the first quarter, the Wizards got off to a good start. At one point in that quarter, the Wizards led by nine, 25-16. The Warriors Klay Thompson made a couple of buckets to get the Warriors closer to the lead. Washington finished the quarter leading 25-23.

The Warriors outscored the Wizards 37-33 in the second quarter. Moses Moody connected on two three-pointers to help the Warriors get their offense going. Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II also played well during this period. The Warriors finished the half leading by two, 60-58. There was one amazing stat that was hard to believe. Stephen Curry did not score a single point in the first half.

The Warriors won the third quarter 38-17. Curry found his shot. Curry and Klay each made a couple of threes to lead the Warriors to a 23-point lead, 98-75, at the end of the period. The Wizards, to their credit, fought back in the final stanza. The Warriors have blown several big leads in the fourth quarter this year. The Wizards won the quarter 37-25. The 23-point deficit was too much to overcome. Washington closed the gap to ten, 120-110, but time ran out, and the Warriors won 123-112.

Game Notes: The Warriors improved to 30-27 with the win. The Wizards lost their 12th in a row and are 9-49. Thompson paced the Warrior attack with 25 points. Thompson made six threes in nine tries. Stephen Curry, scoreless in the first half, knocked down eighteen in the second.

Curry connected three times from downtown. Moses Moody finished with 12, Brandin Podzienski had seven points, four rebounds, and four assists. Kuminga had a big night with 21 points, six boards, and five assists.

Payton II tallied 13 points, and Chris Paul added nine points and six assists. The Warriors shot 50% from the floor and, as a team, knocked down 21 threes. They had 39 assists on 47 made field goals. The Warriors outrebounded the Wizards 54-45. 

The Wizards had six players in double figures. Kyle Kuzma led Washington with 27. Marvin Bagley III had 20 points and nine rebounds. Corey Kispert had 20, Landry Shamet had 16, and Tyus Jones had 14. Former Warriors Jordan Poole scored 12, coming off the bench.

The Warriors bench outscored the Wizards bench 59-15. That was the difference in the game.

The Warriors travel to New York City to play the Knicks at Madison Square Garden Thursday night. The game will start at 4 pm.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: After winning 9 of 10 it all comes to screeching halt for Golden State in loss to Denver

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The Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (50) takes a shot against the Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) in the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Feb 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Warriors had really turned things around winning their last 9 of 10 game but that all came to and end last night when they took on the defensing champion Denver Nuggets.

#2 The Warriors had a great opening quarter at one time taking a 15 point lead but the Nuggets fought back tying up the game at halftime 61 apiece. Klay Thompson had an electric first half shooting for 23 points but it was a Dr. Jekell and Mr. Hyde going silent in the second half.

#3 Another disappointment for Golden State was a poor game for Stephen Curry. He did not hit a three until the third quarter and that would be it for him going 1 of 10 in the game.

#4 Nikola Jokic was outstanding registering his 18th triple double of the season. He was as always an offensive and defensive threat throughout then game and along with Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon they finished off the Warriors in the second half.

#5 The Warriors now head out on the road taking on the 9-48 Washington Wizards.

Join Barbara Mason for the Warriors podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors Lose Fourth Season Game to the defending champion Nuggets 119-103

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Golden State Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis and the Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) go for the basketball in the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Feb 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (29-27) lead after the first 12 minutes and tied up this game at the half against the Denver Nuggets (39-19) but they struggled in the second half of play. They lost the third and fourth quarters and subsequently the game to the defending champion Nuggets. The Warriors had trouble defending Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray losing this game 119-103. This was their fourth loss to Denver this season ending their winning streak

Game recap: The first quarter was gangbusters for Golden State. The quarter was close until Klay Thompson took the court scoring 16 points in the opening 12 minutes, his season high for an opening quarter. The Warriors took a 36-30 lead going into the second quarter.

With Jokic starting the second quarter on the bench the Warriors were looking to take full advantage of his absence. Golden State was able to extend their lead to as much as 15 points in the quarter but rest time was over for Jokic and he took the court again and the Nuggets began to chip away at the Golden State lead.

With ten seconds left in the half Denver had tied up this game at 61. They went on a 14-0 run in a frantic, crazy rally to erase the Warriors lead. The Nuggets turned the tables on Golden State. winning the second quarter 31-25. Denver got to the line seven times which was another reason for the Nugget turnaround.

It was a great half for Thompson off the bench scoring 23 points, the only Warrior to hit double digits in the half. He hit five of ten from downtown in an offensive explosion. Golden State needed to contain both Jokic and Jamal Murray who each had 18 points in the first half and they needed a whole lot more offense from their starters in the second half.

They were putting on a defensive show, a great effort but they would have to continue with that effort in the second half against a formidable opponent.

Going into the third quarter, it was a whole new ball game for both teams.Warrior guard Stephen Curry continued to struggle from the field in the third quarter as the Warriors defense was also having some issues.

The Golden State defense continued to bleed as the Nuggets took a 75-65 lead mid-way through the third quarter. Jokic already had registered his 18th triple double of the season with an entire quarter and a half to go.

The Warriors starters continued to struggle and the Nuggets Aaron Gordon began to flex his muscle. With five minutes left in the quarter the Warriors showed a little life cutting the Denver lead to 78-74 forcing the Nuggets to take a time out.

At 3:23 Curry hit his first three of the game cutting the Denver lead to three 82-79. Seconds later the Warriors Lester Quinones hit a three tying up the game at 82. Denver took back the lead after three quarters leading 91-87. It was on to the final 12 minutes of play.

The fourth quarter was a close one but the Warriors continued to trail. They got as close as three points numerous times only to watch the Nuggets push back extending their lead. With 7:55 left in the game, Denver had taken a 97-92 lead.

The Warriors were also dealing with 16 turnovers as Denver took a 105-94 lead with under six minutes left in the game. With under four minutes on the clock the Nuggets took a 109-97 lead. AT 2:10, it was crunch time for Golden State looking for some stops. Those stops did not come and Golden State’s winning streak had come to an end losing.

This was a tough game for the Warriors. The hot first half that Thompson had in the first came to a dead stop in the second half. He did not score a single point in the second half. Curry was 1 of 10 from downtown with 20 points in the game in another disappointing performance. Jonathan Kuminga finished with 19 points and six rebounds. The team now heads out on the road for a stretch on a losing note.

Post game notes: Sunday evening the Warriors took on the defending champion Nuggets at Chase Center. With Nikola Jokic leading the Nuggets, the Warriors were tested and lost this match. Golden State lost their last game with Denver in the final seconds when Jokic hit a three pointer winning that game for Denver 130-127 Jan 4th. The Nuggets have won their previous three meetings with Golden State this season.

Tuesday night the Warriors will travel to Washington to take on the struggling 9-47 Wizards. While Golden State does not take any game for granted, they should have little trouble in this one. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 4:00 PM PT.

It was ugly but Warriors hold on beat Hornets 97-84; Golden State coach Kerr signs for 2 more yrs at $35 million

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The Charlotte Hornets guard Vasilije Micic (left) passes the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the first half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri Feb 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors (29-26) welcomed the Charlotte Hornets (14-42) to the Chase Center Friday night. The Hornets entered the game with a record of 14-41. Yet, the Hornets had won four straight. Charlotte’s star point guard, LaMelo Ball, was sidelined with an injury and would not play.

Everyone thought the Warriors would win in a cakewalk. The Hornets, coached by Steve Clifford, had other thoughts. The players knew they had to find a way to disrupt the Warriors’ game plan. Both teams played poorly in the first half.

The Warriors scored just 43 points in the first 24 minutes of play. The Warriors turned the ball over 14 times. The Warriors defense put the clamps on the Hornet offense. Charlotte tallied 29 points in the half. The Warriors got the offense going in the third quarter and held on to win, 97-84.

As mentioned above, the first two-quarters of the game were ugly. Neither team could get into a rhythm. The leading scorer for the Warriors was Gary Payton II. GP2 had eight points to lead the team. Stephen Curry had seven, and Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Jonathan Kuminga each had six. Miles Bridges had ten for the Hornets in the first half. 

The Warriors offense came to life in the third quarter. They won the quarter30-23 and finished the period with the lead, 73-52. The Warriors led by 20, 80-60 after Thompson hit a three. The Warriors refused to let the Hornets get too close.

Curry hit a three to put the Warriors up 89-71. Head coach Steve Kerr took his regulars out of the game. The Hornets offense closed the gap to ten, 92-82. The time left in the game was a minute and 42 seconds. There was a remote possibility that the Hornets could make up the ten-point deficit.

That didn’t happen, as Moses Moody made a three with 1:05 left. Lester Quinones set off tempers when he made a basket with 12 seconds left. The Hornets’ Miles Bridges and Grant Williams were furious that Quinones took the shot.

The Warriors were going to win. The unwritten rule was to run out the clock. Quinones was hit with two technical fouls and was ejected from the game. Bridges and Williams each had a technical foul called on them. Williams was ejected. There was no scoring in the final few seconds of the game after the altercation.

Game Notes: It was an ugly win, but it is still a win. The Warriors improved to 29-26. Golden State has won ten of the last 12 games played. The Hornets fell to 14-42. 

The Warriors had five players in double figures. Curry led the club with 15 points. Curry made three threes in eight tries. Wiggins had 14, Thompson and Brandin Podziemski each had 13, and Payton II added 12. The Warriors shot 42% from the floor and made 13 threes.

The Hornets also had five players with double-figures. Bridges led Charlotte with 19 points and 11 boards. Nick Richards and Brandon Miller each had 11. Tre Mann and Grant Williams had ten.

Kerr signed a two year extension worth $35 million, the contract is listed as a record annual value for a head coach. Kerr is in his tenth year with Golden State as his current contract expires at the end of this season. Kerr is breathing some relief as he was focused on this season but now that the contract issues have been completed he can focus on coaching and not on his future with the team.

The Warriors finish the homestand against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday at 4 pm.

Warriors get much needed win over Lakers 128-110; Curry scores 32 pts for Golden State

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is fired up after scoring a three point shot in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center in San Francisco on Thu Feb 22, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors (28-26), playing their first game after the All-Star break, hosted the Los Angeles Lakers (30-27) Thursday night at the Chase Center. The Lakers’ LeBron James would not be in the lineup due to an ankle injury. The Warriors would come away with a 128-110 win at Chase Center in San Francisco led by the Warriors guard Stephen Curry with 32 points.

The Warriors still had to deal with the Lakers’ Anthony Davis. Davis has been a force on defense for the Lakers this year. The Warriors knew they had to have good ball movement to thwart Davis trying to protect the rim against the Warriors potent offense.

The Warriors wanted to avenge the one-point loss to the Lakers on January 27th. The Akers won a double-overtime thriller 145-144. In that game, the Lakers won at the free-throw line. The Lakers had 43 free throws, and the Warriors had 16. The Lakers made 36, and the Warriors 11.

The Warriors’ head coach, Steve Kerr, told his team they must stop committing fouls and turning the ball over. The Warriors did what Kerr wanted. The Lakers had 21 free throws in the game. They made 14. The Warriors had eight turnovers in the first half but only one in the second half. The Warriors played well on both ends of the court as they cruised to victory. It was the Warriors’ ninth win in their last eleven games. 

The Warriors started the game running up and down the court. Warriors guard Curry tallied 16 points and connected on four threes in the first period. The Lakers’ Davis provided the offense for LA. The Warriors won the quarter 31-28.

The Lakers took the lead early in the second period. Neither team could pull away. The Lakers led 50-49 when the momentum shifted to the Warriors. Jonathan Kuminga knocked down a three to give the Warriors a 52-51 lead. Andrew Wiggins and Brandin Podziemski each hit a three, and the Warriors led by six, 57-51.

Curry made a three and a two-pointer to up the lead to 65-54. Wiggins scored a bucket as the buzzer sounded to put the Warriors ahead, 67-54, at the end of the first half. Curry led the team with 25 points. It was the second-highest point in the first half for Curry in his career.

Trace Jackson-Davis was the scoring story in the second quarter. Coming off the bench, Jackson-Davis recorded 13 points to help the Warriors have the lead at the end of the first half. Davis paced the Lakers with 15 points.

The Warriors continued to play well in the second half. The Warriors increased the lead to 17, 86-69. The Lakers made a 7-0 run to trail by nine, 89-80. The Warriors did not wilt. The Warriors answered the challenge and finished the third quarter with the lead, 98-82.

The Lakers’ point guard, D’Angelo Russell, made a couple of three-pointers early in the fourth quarter. Wiggins responded by scoring nine points to kill the Lakers’ threat. The Warriors cruised to victory 128-110.

Game Notes: The Warriors won for the ninth time in their last eleven games. They are now 28-26. The Lakers dropped to 30-27. The Warriors are 1-1 with LA this season. The Warriors meet the Lakers two more times. Both games will be in LA. 

Curry led the Warriors with 32 points, eight assists, and six threes. Curry was plus 25 when he was on the court.

Wiggins had 20 points, and he connected twice from downtown. Rookie Podzienski has ten points and nine rebounds. Jackson-Davis finished the game with 17 points and five boards. Kuminga had 12. 

The Warriors shot 46.7% from the floor. They made 16 threes in 41 tries. The Warriors recorded 32 assists on 50 made baskets. They outrebounded the taller Lakers 60-51. 

Davis had a double-double with 27 points and 15 rebounds. Russell ad 18, Austin Reaves 16, and Taurean Prince 12. The Warriors held Rui Hachimura to eight points. Hachimura has killed the Warriors many times over the last two years. The Warriors made sure Hachimura was not a factor Thursday night.

The Warriors play again Friday night. The Warriors will host the Charlotte Hornets at the Chase Center. The game will start at 7 pm.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Daivd Zizmor: Review shows Podziemski didn’t foul Leonard; Calls usually go in favor for superstars; plus more news

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The Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson (11) has had success coming off the bench here he’s defending the Utah Jazz Keyonte George (left) at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Thu Feb 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with David:

#1 David can you see Klay Thompson now coming off the bench after his recent success?

#2 Brandin Podziemski says he got called for fouling the Los Angeles Clippers Leonard Kawhi back on Nov 30th at Chase Center. Upon review the replays showed that Podziemski did not make contact or touch Kawhi and the foul was reversed. Podziemski pointed out that this was a superstar call that superstars get the benefit of the calls.

#3 Stephen Curry said he and the core Warriors Klay Thompson and Draymond Green will retire together. Curry said that they need to continue to compete at a high level and said that it’s a motivator for them.

Join David Zizmor for the Warrior podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: MGM says lack of A’s ballpark blueprints is putting them behind schedule for construction; NBA All-Star contest winners; plus more news

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The MGM Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is waiting for an answer from the Oakland Athletics on a design that will connect a pedestrian bridge to the new ballpark. Without the design the MGM can not proceed with construction and the A’s non decision is holding up their plans. (Nevada Independent photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Top topic lack of Las Vegas A’s plans are stalling MGM Grand remodeling plans. The MGM is waiting for the future Las Vegas A’s to come up with with blueprints so they can figure in their remodeling plans. MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle said he’s been shown three different plans as to where the ballpark will sit on the site. Problem is the A’s do not have a definite design that has been decided on and Hornbuckle wants to get on with his construction at the MGM so he can build a pedestrian bridge to the ballpark.

#2 The A’s further have met with the Oakland Coliseum Joint Authority and have not come to an agreement for a lease extension that would have them play at the Coliseum from 2025-27 three years. Major League Baseball is in a bit of a pickle the A’s need to make a decision soon as the 2025 schedules come out in July but the City of Oakland wants MLB to guarantee an expansion team for Oakland and Rob Manfred said the Bay Area already has a team and that should be good enough.

#3 The Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry edged out the New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu in the three point contest at the NBA All Star Game in Indianapolis Saturday night 29-26. Ionescu hit seven straight three points for the 26 points.

#4 Mac McClung won back to back slam dunk contests and is now the fifth NBA player to have back to back wins in the slam dunk competition. McClung surpassed Shaq O’Neil with a 50 point slam over all people Shaq who was holding the ball above his had for the record setting dunk.

#5 Wanted to get a chance to ask you about the firing of former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks who got the blame for the 49ers loss in the Super Bowl. Talk about what mistakes he made and how does a defensive coordinator who contributed highly on his defense takes a team to the Super Bowl and ends up getting fired?

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors Squeak Past Jazz 140-137; Golden State wins sixth out of last seven games

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The Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) defends against the Utah Jazz Keynote George (3) in second half action at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Thu Feb 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Thursday night the Golden State Warriors (27-26) took on the Utah Jazz (26-30) in Utah in a close contest. The Warriors had beaten the Jazz last Monday night 129-107 but this game was far closer. Klay Thompson was the hero in this win willing his team to the victory shooting for 35 points for the final of 140-137.

Wednesday night the Warriors lost a heartbreaker to the Clippers 130-125 after leading for most of the game. They had little time to mull over the loss. After the game the Warriors had to immediately hop on a plane heading back to Utah for the second time this week to take on the Jazz (26-30). Thursday’s game was the makeup game that had originally been scheduled for January 17.

There had been talk of Thompson taking a bench role and Thursday that talk became to be. For the first time since his rookie season Thompson came off the bench. He not only came off the bench, he came to his team’s rescue scoring 35 points and knocking down 7 3-pointers.

In a three point difference, every last point that he scored was critical. In fact the entire starting lineup had double digits. The Jazz came into this game on a mission and came very close to winning the whole thing.

Before this game Thompson was asked how he felt about coming off the bench. The truth is that he was ok with it. He has suffered a few pretty serious injuries and he has struggled throughout this season.

Thompson was fine with his new role and he just wanted to help the team in whatever capacity he was assigned. He was lights out and just maybe this was the change that would work for him. He decided that instead of pout he would just go out there and make a difference and that is just what he did.

Game recap: The first quarter was a close one with the Jazz prevailing 39-36 but the Warriors came roaring back in the second quarter 48-32 and leading at the half 84-71.

Despite the 13 point deficit, the Jazz continued to fight but Golden State won the third quarter as well taking a 120-102 lead. By the looks of it, Golden State was aiming to wrap up this final game before the break.

This game took on a whole new look in the fourth quarter as the Jazz went to town outscoring the Warriors in the fourth quarter 35-20. It was a valiant effort by Utah who came up just short; and Golden State had survived partially in thanks to Thompson who had one of his best offensive efforts all season.

Thompson had the team high with 35 points. Draymond Green had a terrific showing with 23 points, a season-high, and Andrew Wiggins finished with 19 points and seven rebounds. Stephen Curry had 16 points and 10 assists. The Warriors did have 13 turnovers that turned into 29 Jazz points.

This was a disappointment for Utah coming so close and coming up short. The Jazz’s Collin Sexton missed a 3-pointer allowing the Warriors to hold on winning their eighth game in their last 10 games. Sexton had the high for Utah with 35 points and Keyonte George finished with 33 points. The was Utah’s third straight loss at home and their fourth straight loss overall.

The Warriors will now have a nice stretch before they continue the season taking on the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday February 22. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

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Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Warriors have trouble stopping Clippers Powell and George; Golden State snaps six game win streak at home

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The Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) takes a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) and guard Brandon Boston Jr (right) first half action at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Feb 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg:

#1 The Golden State Warriors were home against the Los Angeles Clippers but that didn’t make much of a difference as the Warriors had a tough time containing the Clippers.

#2 The Clippers got scoring production from James Harden 26 points, Paul George 24, and Norman Powell with 21 points led the way.

#3 Powell got the hot hand scoring four 3 pointers in the last 7:03 of the game. Powell matched up with Warrior guard Stephen Curry in the contest.

#4 Curry wound up leading the Warriors with 41 points but it was too little as the Clippers won it by five points.

#5 The Warriors have to return to the site of the passing of their late coach Dejan Milojevich once again. The Warriors were just in Salt Lake City on Mon Feb 12 and have a make up game with the Utah Jazz Thursday night this is the game that was canceled because coach Milojevich passed away the night before at dinner.

Join Jerry for the Golden State Warriors podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Red-Hot Clippers Cool Off Warriors in Fourth Quarter 130-125

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The Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) goes to lay one up against the Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Feb 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After leading for the majority of Wednesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers (36-17) the Golden State Warriors (26-26) fell short in the fourth quarter losing 130-125. The Warriors controlled the tempo, the pace but fell short in the final four minutes. The sixth win in a row for Golden State was not to be.

Game recap: The Warriors got a lightning start forcing turnovers and handling the Clippers quite well. Los Angeles is without Kawhi Leonard in this game missing it due to a left thigh injury. The first quarter was close throughout until the final minute when the Warriors got a little separation leading 30-23 after the first 12 minutes. 

The Clippers weakest quarter is typically the first quarter but Golden State had gotten this game going in the right direction in the opening quarter. Every Golden State starter had scored in the first twelve minutes. and the Warriors had set a great pace dictating play.

Mid-way through the second quarter the Warriors took a ten-point lead 43-33. The Warriors continued to double team James Harden who was the leading scorer on the court for the Clippers. 

Harden was not getting much help from his team mates and continued to try and carry his team. With 4:32 left in the half, the Warriors continued to hold the lead 47-39 and Golden State had their way throughout the first half. The first two quarters were all Golden State. 

The three’s started flying for the Warriors complimented by some solid defense. The score at halftime was 59-52 in favor of Golden State. The Warriors had held a 59-44 lead during the second quarter but the Clippers went on a 8-0 run to close out the half. They had cut the Warriors lead in half but Golden State still held a seven point lead going into the second half.

The Clippers got going in the third quarter and in a flash Los Angeles had pulled to within three points 59-62. Early in the quarter, Draymond Green got an elbow to the jaw and was taken back to the locker room to rule out concussion, broken jaw or any number of injuries that could have occurred after such a vicious hit. The team had to carry on in the absence of Green awaiting word on his condition. 

The Warriors rallied pushing their lead back to double digits 75-65 at 5:38. Stephen Curry was on fire with 25 points through 2 2/1 quarters and had 6 three’s. At 5:22 the ever tough Green came out of the locker room and rejoined his team mates on the court.

Brandin Podziemski was having a terrific game off the bench with 18 points going 4 of 4 from downtown. The third quarter saw another record for Curry with his fourth straight game hitting at least seven three’s.  As the quarter came to an end the Warriors held onto a 97-86 lead. 

The fourth quarter was an over the top physical game. The Clippers Mason Plumlee got a flagrant one when he showed excessive force guarding Brandin Podziemski and the Warriors Jonathan Kuminga also got a flagrant one for pushing Plumlee in the back in defense of his team mate. 

At 5:35 the Clippers made a push that tied up this game at 108. Los Angeles went on to take the lead; their first lead with a 17-2 run. The two teams began to trade leads as this game was going down to the wire. 

Curry had a real challenge being double-teamed for most of the game and forced to take some very difficult shots. Los Angeles had their largest lead when it really counted; in the last minute of the game 126-120. 

With 48.3 ticks left on the clock the Warriors were in danger of losing. Golden State was unable to guard the Clippers in the fourth quarter when it really counted. The final was 130-125 in favor of Los Angeles. This was an impressive win for the Clippers having to play without Leonard but they fought throughout the contest for the eventual victory.

The Warriors had a terrific game doing just about everything needed to win. Curry finished with 41 points hitting nine shots from downtown. Podziemski was terrific off the bench with 25 points going 5 for 5 from beyond the arc. Golden State protected the ball well with only 9 turnovers. It was a disappointing loss for the Warriors after leading for the majority of the game and playing so well throughout.   

Game notes: Wednesday night the Warriors took on one of the best in the west the Clippers at Chase Center. The Clippers are currently in third place in the Western Conference. The Clippers have the third ranked offense and they are first in three’s. Despite a crazy schedule, the Warriors are playing their best basketball of the season. They defeated the Warriors at Chase by five points and hop on a plane to play the Utah Jazz on Thursday leading into the All-Star game. Golden State failed to get their sixth win in a row Wednesday night. They couldn’t win the final two games before the break.

In a quick turnaround, the Warriors will hop on a plane and fly back out to Utah to make up the suspended game from January 17. It has been a crazy week for the Warriors but they are really rising to the occasion playing what is probably their best basketball all season. Tipoff for the Jazz game Thursday night is scheduled for 6:00 PM.