In this meeting between two teams tied in the standings (36-33), the first quarter is without rhythm on both sides. If Stephen Curry is rather on the legs, this is not the case for his teammates. On the Clippers side, a good Nicolas Batum and a very good Kawhi Leonard are doing well. Tyronn Lue’s men are leading 28-23 at the end of the 1st quarter.
The Warriors started the second quarter strong with a very good 3-point address, and took the opportunity to go ahead in the score (36-32). But now, as soon as Kawhi Leonard returns to the floor, the Clippers recover the momentum. The defense tightens, and the baskets come more easily (54-46). Just before half-time, Marcus Morris is expelled following a bad gesture on Draymond Green. The Clippers return to the locker room with a 3-point lead (61-58).
Golden State starts the 3rd quarter with a 10-3, and takes the lead (68-64). And as usual, the Clippers answer behind. On a 3-point shot, Eric Gordon gives the Clippers a 7-point lead (77-70). Despite Steph Curry’s 21 points in the third quarter alone, the Warriors were 6 points behind at the end of it (99-93).
The Clippers come in very well in the 4th quarter, and take a 12-point lead on a 3-point shot from Nicolas Batum (109-97). Steph Curry is completely on fire, and brings his own to 7 points (118-111). It’s too late, and on a 3-point basket, Paul George kills the hopes of the Warriors. The Clippers win 134-126.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The 50 points of Steph Curry. As the Americans say, it’s one of those nights where shooting is like throwing a pebble in the ocean. The Warriors point guard was phenomenal, and even “sublime” to use Steve Kerr’s adjective. The chef regaled with 50 points on the addition, at 20/28 shooting or 71.4% including 8/14 from 3-pointers (57.1%). An immense performance which unfortunately did not prevent the Warriors from losing once again outside.
– Draymond Green suspended against the Hawks. Following yet another dispute with the referees, he finally received his 16th technical foul, which had been hanging in his face for a while. As a result, he will miss Golden State’s next game on the Atlanta floor. Bad news for Steve Kerr when we know the difficulties of the Warriors outside.
– Golden State still can’t do it… Ninth straight setback away from the Warriors, still struggling far from their bases. They have only won 7 away matches this season!!! Conversely, remember that they remain on eight wins in a row at the Chase Center!
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Kawhi Leonard. Sober and efficient, he once again reigned supreme on both sides of the field. He finished with 30 points at 10/19 shooting including 43% from 3-pointers.
✅ Eric Gordon. He was invaluable in putting baskets that broke the dynamic of the Warriors. He finished with 16 points at 4/8 from 3-pointers.
✅ Ivica Zubac. It’s the X factor of the game because the Warriors had no profile to put on him defensively. Result, he made a big job in the indoor sector with 19 points and 16 rebounds.
✅ Terance Mann. Solid match from him off the bench with 17 points at 6/10 in shooting as well as this combativeness at all times.
⛔️ Clay Thompson. Complicated evening for the other “Splash Brother” with a 6/16 shooting. It must be said that Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are not the worst defenders on the outside…
THE FOLLOWING
Clippers (37-33): reception of the Magic on Saturday (8 p.m.).
Warriors (36-34): trip to the Hawks overnight from Friday to Saturday (12:30 a.m.).
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