LOS ANGELES – In his first game as Warriors coach Steve Kerr appeared comfortable throughout, whether he was calling timeout or telling one of his players to call timeout or holding the white board to diagram plays.
Then again, nothing of value was at stake when the Warriors and Clippers met Tuesday night at Staples Center. The Warriors left the floor with a 112-94 victory in the preseason opener for both teams.
Klay Thompson scored a team-high 20 points, eight of which came during one furious stretch of less than two minutes.
David Lee added 13, with Stephen Curry, Nemanja Nedovic and Draymond Green each adding 12. Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes each finished with 10.
The Warriors played all but three healthy players. Guard Aaron Craft, forward Jason Kapono and forward Mitchell Watt did not play. Kapono officially joined the team only 48 hours prior.
STANDOUT PERFORMER: Bogut was terrific. He was active, focused and productive – alarmingly so on offense.
After serving as the team's fifth offensive option last season, and often looking the part, Bogut moved exceedingly well and operated with a smoother and lighter touch than previously exhibited.
Bogut's 10 points came on 5-of-5 shooting. His offensive arsenal included jumpers, jump hooks and a floater. He was the team's most efficient offensive player – until Thompson's scoring binge.
TURNING POINT: Thompson's binge, which came shortly after Curry fouled out.
Thompson drained a turnaround jumper to pull the Warriors into a 70-70 tie with 5:04 left in the third quarter.
He punctuated his spree with a 3-point play, sprinting around Spencer Hawes for a dunk, which was followed by a free throw that put the Warriors up 78-70 with 3:12 left in the quarter.
INJURY UPDATE: G Shaun Livingston (right big toe surgery) did not travel and is expected to remain out for at least two more weeks.
C Festus Ezeli (right shin inflammation) is with the team but remains out indefinitely.
WHAT'S NEXT: The Warriors practice Wednesday morning in Santa Monica before facing the Lakers on Thursday night at Staples.
