LOS ANGELES – The Warriors walked into Staples Center Saturday night, got a glimpse of the Clippers and shrugged off all signs of fatigue.
With a 115-112 victory over Los Angeles before a sellout crowd that seemed split almost down the middle, the Warriors recovered nicely from being routed in Portland one night earlier.
Klay Thompson fired in 32 points to lead all scorers. Four other Warriors scored in double figures, as Steph Curry tossed in 23, Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes each totaled 18. Andre Iguodala added 10.
The Warriors (49-5) played without starting center Andrew Bogut, who sat out with a strained right Achilles tendon. Forward Brandon Rush started in his place, as the Warriors opened with a small lineup that the Clippers never quite contained.
With this win, which was not as close as the final score might indicate, the Warriors have beaten the rival Clippers three straight this season after winning three out of four against them last season.
Jamal Crawford scored 25 points to lead the Clippers (36-19). Chris Paul added 19.
STANDOUT PERFORMER
Thompson and Green share honors on this night.
Thompson’s line: 32 points (11 of 22 shooting, 4-of-9 from deep), five rebounds and three assists. He was plus-19 for the game.
Green’s line: 18 points (9-of-14 shooting, 0-of-3 from deep), 11 rebounds and 10 assists. It was his NBA-best 11th triple-double this season. He was plus-17.
Green more than held his own against the bigger and more athletic DeAndre Jordan, beating the defense of the Clippers center several times in one-on-one situations.
TURNING POINT
After the Clippers closed to 93-86 on a Cole Aldrich layup with 11:43 left in the game, the Warriors responded with a 15-6 run to go up 108-92 with 5:47 remaining, forcing Clippers coach Doc Rivers to signal for a timeout.
Barnes scored eight points during the rally to lead the offense.
The Clippers were limited to 3-of-9 shooting, with a turnover, during the run.
The Warriors led by 13 (115-102) inside two minutes before the Clippers rallied at the end.
INJURY UPDATE
Warriors: C Andrew Bogut (R Achilles strain) was listed as questionable and declared out prior to tipoff. F James Michael McAdoo (L foot toe sprain) was listed as out. C Festus Ezeli (L knee surgery) is not with the team.
Clippers: F Blake Griffin (R hand fracture, partially torn L quad tendon) and G Austin Rivers (L hand fracture) were listed as out.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Warriors return to action Monday in Atlanta, where the face the Hawks at Philips Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:10 p.m. (PST).
