Even with starters Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins nonetheless on the sidelines, the Golden State Warriors are all of a sudden trying like a severe contender once more.
No matter how far they may fall behind.
Jordan Poole scored 34 factors, Klay Thompson had 19 factors and a career-high 11 rebounds, and the defending champions used one other large second-half surge to rally previous the Los Angeles Clippers 115-91 on Thursday evening for his or her fourth straight victory.
“I just feel there’s a grit that comes with defense that allows you to shake it off and keep playing,” coach Steve Kerr mentioned of his workforce’s comebacks.
Kawhi Leonard scored 21 factors and hit from deep to beat the buzzer that ended the second quarter, placing the cold-shooting Clippers forward 56-45 at halftime.
Then the Warriors got here charging again with a 42-point third quarter whereas holding the Clippers to 16 factors within the interval to guide 87-72 heading into the ultimate 12 minutes. Golden State did the identical factor with a comeback win in opposition to Portland on Tuesday evening.
“They got up 11, but we were still right there because we were defending and taking care of the ball,” Draymond Green mentioned. “To have those couple third quarters like we’ve had the last two games gives you something to build upon, you feel good about yourself and also understand what it takes coming out of the half.”
Green added 11 factors, 9 rebounds and 9 assists in a bodily battle all recreation between rivals combating for playoff positioning within the Western Conference. Donte DiVincenzo struggled along with his shot, going 2 for 10, however grabbed a season-high 11 rebounds.
Mason Plumlee had a season-best 20 rebounds and his 14 within the preliminary two quarters have been probably the most of his profession in any half. Eric Gordon made his first begin in six video games since becoming a member of the Clippers in a commerce from Houston and scored 16 factors within the workforce’s fourth straight defeat and sixth in eight.
Los Angeles completed simply 9 of 43 on 3-pointers — lacking 18 of 19 to start the second half.
Gordon was 2 for 10 on 3s and Russell Westbrook missed all 5 of his tries whereas going 3 for 12 from the ground general to attain eight factors with the Warriors sagging off him.
Green is definite it made Leonard assume and Golden State‘s protection keyed one other win.
“We’re finding a really good space right now,” Poole mentioned, “we’ve just got to keep it going.”
CURRY’S PROGRESS
Curry might return as quickly as Sunday after scrimmaging for a 3rd straight day.
“He’s getting close,” Kerr mentioned.
Curry missed his tenth straight recreation with a left leg harm after getting damage in opposition to Dallas on Feb. 4. Kerr credited the reigning NBA Finals MVP for his power rehabbing the most recent harm.
“He’s been working really hard. I think within days of the injury, he was on the bike and it was impressive just watching him on the bike, I mean, how hard he goes,” Kerr mentioned. “He’s really amazing when it comes to his conditioning level and his commitment to keeping it high.”
TIP-INS
Clippers: Coach Tyronn Lue and Los Angeles got here in with a recreation plan to get again in transition and restrict turnovers — and the Clippers dedicated 16 that led to 29 Golden State factors. … Marcus Morris Sr. (left elbow contusion) and Ivica Zubac (proper calf soreness) sat out after coming into the sport listed as questionable on the harm report. … Whether Leonard and George play Friday’s back-to-back was to be decided after the sport. The Clippers have misplaced the final three and eight of 11 within the second recreation whereas taking part in consecutive nights. … Of Westbrook’s addition, Lue mentioned, “It’s going to take a little time just adjusting to playing a certain style of basketball.”
Warriors: The Warriors received their of their fifth consecutive at residence vs. the Clippers. … F Andrew Wiggins sat out a sixth consecutive recreation whereas coping with a household matter. … Golden State signed G Lester Quinones to a 10-day contract and assigned him to G League Santa Cruz.
UP NEXT
Clippers: Visit Sacramento on Friday evening for a road-road back-to-back.
Warriors: Host the Pelicans on Friday evening to finish the home-home back-to-back.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
