Wizards Defeat Magic, 117-109
The Washington Wizards defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 117-109, at Capital One Arena on Monday.
This eight-point final margin is unfair to the Magic, as it was extremely competitive throughout. In fact, neither club led by more than 10 points, as there were 17 ties and 18 lead changes in total. A 14-4 run by Washington in the middle of the fourth quarter was critical, as that turned a tied ball game into Washington's biggest lead with four minutes remaining. In addition, the first three quarters all ended in stalemates, as a 34-26 fourth quarter ultimately won Washington the game. Defensive rebounding was huge for the Wizards, as they won that battle, 34-26. Getting to the free-throw line was also huge, with Washington connecting on 24-of-33 while Orlando hit just 8-of-11. The Wizards also won the points in the paint battle, 46-38 and won the fastbreak differential, 15-5.
The Magic's (6-8) leading scorer came off the bench, as Terrence Ross provided 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. Evan Fournier led the starters with 20 points, two rebounds and five assists. Aaron Gordon collected 18 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals an two blocks. Nikola Vucevic amassed 17 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
The Wizards (4-9) were led by John Wall, as he tallied 25 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Bradley Beal totaled 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Dwight Howard finished with 17 points and eight boards while Markieff Morris generated 16 points and eight rebounds. Jeff Green led the bench with 18 points, six rebounds and two steals on 6-of-7 from the field.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Orlando playing host to the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington remaining home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This eight-point final margin is unfair to the Magic, as it was extremely competitive throughout. In fact, neither club led by more than 10 points, as there were 17 ties and 18 lead changes in total. A 14-4 run by Washington in the middle of the fourth quarter was critical, as that turned a tied ball game into Washington's biggest lead with four minutes remaining. In addition, the first three quarters all ended in stalemates, as a 34-26 fourth quarter ultimately won Washington the game. Defensive rebounding was huge for the Wizards, as they won that battle, 34-26. Getting to the free-throw line was also huge, with Washington connecting on 24-of-33 while Orlando hit just 8-of-11. The Wizards also won the points in the paint battle, 46-38 and won the fastbreak differential, 15-5.
The Magic's (6-8) leading scorer came off the bench, as Terrence Ross provided 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. Evan Fournier led the starters with 20 points, two rebounds and five assists. Aaron Gordon collected 18 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals an two blocks. Nikola Vucevic amassed 17 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
The Wizards (4-9) were led by John Wall, as he tallied 25 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Bradley Beal totaled 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Dwight Howard finished with 17 points and eight boards while Markieff Morris generated 16 points and eight rebounds. Jeff Green led the bench with 18 points, six rebounds and two steals on 6-of-7 from the field.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Orlando playing host to the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington remaining home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Shorthanded Sixers Defeat Heat, 124-114
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host Miami Heat, 124-114, at American Airlines Arena on Monday.
This final scoreline is a bit unfair to Miami, as neither club attained a double-digit lead until the final five minutes. With that said, Philly held the lead for the entirety of the second half, as they finished the game on a 13-7 run. The assist-to-turnover ratio was the difference in the game, with Philly recording 24 assists to nine turnovers while Miami committed 15 turnovers to just 19 assists. These benches did a whole lot of damage, as they combined for 92 points between the two teams.
The Sixers (9-6) got a gem out of Joel Embiid, as he tallied 25 points, 18 rebounds and three assists. Ben Simmons collected 13 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. J.J. Redick amassed 25 points and three assists. Furknan Korkmaz, Mike Muscala and Landry Shamet all reached double figures in scoring off of the bench.
The Heat (5-8) were led by Goran Dragic, as he accumulated 22 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. Josh Richardson dropped 17 points in an otherwise empty stat line. Hassan Whiteside played 21 minutes as he battled foul trouble, finishing with 13 points and 11 boards. Tyler Johnson, Wayne Ellington and Kelly Olynyk all scored between 12 and 14 points to lead the bench.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Miami traveling to face the Brooklyn Nets and Philly playing the Orlando Magic on the road as well. Jimmy Butler is expected to make his Sixers debut in that game on Wednesday.
This final scoreline is a bit unfair to Miami, as neither club attained a double-digit lead until the final five minutes. With that said, Philly held the lead for the entirety of the second half, as they finished the game on a 13-7 run. The assist-to-turnover ratio was the difference in the game, with Philly recording 24 assists to nine turnovers while Miami committed 15 turnovers to just 19 assists. These benches did a whole lot of damage, as they combined for 92 points between the two teams.
The Sixers (9-6) got a gem out of Joel Embiid, as he tallied 25 points, 18 rebounds and three assists. Ben Simmons collected 13 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. J.J. Redick amassed 25 points and three assists. Furknan Korkmaz, Mike Muscala and Landry Shamet all reached double figures in scoring off of the bench.
The Heat (5-8) were led by Goran Dragic, as he accumulated 22 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. Josh Richardson dropped 17 points in an otherwise empty stat line. Hassan Whiteside played 21 minutes as he battled foul trouble, finishing with 13 points and 11 boards. Tyler Johnson, Wayne Ellington and Kelly Olynyk all scored between 12 and 14 points to lead the bench.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Miami traveling to face the Brooklyn Nets and Philly playing the Orlando Magic on the road as well. Jimmy Butler is expected to make his Sixers debut in that game on Wednesday.
Pelicans Dominate, Stun Raptors on Canadian Soil
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Toronto Raptors, 126-110, at Scotiabank Arena on Monday evening.
The Pelicans (7-6) delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season while playing on the road against the Raptors (12-2), one of the best teams in The Association so far, and they gave the Canadian franchise their first home loss of the current campaign. New Orleans' dominance was reflected by the fact that they won all four quarters in this one (31-29, 35-32, 28-22 and 32-27, respectively), not giving Toronto a chance to fight back during most of the game. With the win, the Pelicans are now riding a three-game winning streak, while the Raptors saw their six-game winning run come to an end in the first night of a back-to-back.
E'Twaun Moore was the leading scorer with 30 points (13-18 from the field), while Jrue Holiday looked impressive thanks to his 29 points and 14 assists. Anthony Davis had another monster performance with 25 points, 20 rebounds, six assists and two blocks, and Julius Randle had a double-double of 17 points and 12 boards to go along with four assists.
Pascal Siakam led the way for Toronto with 22 points, three rebounds and three blocks in 28 minutes of action. Kawhi Leonard filled the stat sheet admirably and contributed with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Serge Ibaka had 19 points with 14 boards, and O.G. Anunoby added 17 points off the bench. Kyle Lowry struggled and only managed to score four points (1-9 from the field) but added 11 assists.
The Pelicans (7-6) delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season while playing on the road against the Raptors (12-2), one of the best teams in The Association so far, and they gave the Canadian franchise their first home loss of the current campaign. New Orleans' dominance was reflected by the fact that they won all four quarters in this one (31-29, 35-32, 28-22 and 32-27, respectively), not giving Toronto a chance to fight back during most of the game. With the win, the Pelicans are now riding a three-game winning streak, while the Raptors saw their six-game winning run come to an end in the first night of a back-to-back.
E'Twaun Moore was the leading scorer with 30 points (13-18 from the field), while Jrue Holiday looked impressive thanks to his 29 points and 14 assists. Anthony Davis had another monster performance with 25 points, 20 rebounds, six assists and two blocks, and Julius Randle had a double-double of 17 points and 12 boards to go along with four assists.
Pascal Siakam led the way for Toronto with 22 points, three rebounds and three blocks in 28 minutes of action. Kawhi Leonard filled the stat sheet admirably and contributed with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Serge Ibaka had 19 points with 14 boards, and O.G. Anunoby added 17 points off the bench. Kyle Lowry struggled and only managed to score four points (1-9 from the field) but added 11 assists.
Mavericks Hold On, Defeat Bulls
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Chicago Bulls, 103-98, at United Center on Monday evening.
The Mavericks (5-8) seem to be turning their season around following a negative start and now they have won three of their last four; that's quite an impressive achievement considering they began the year with a 2-7 record. Dallas jumped ahead 25-20 after the first quarter, and they further increased their lead to 56-49 at the break. The Bulls (4-10) fought back and made it things closer with a 26-22 win in the third quarter, to make it a three-point game entering the final 12 minutes of action. But the Mavs closed things out and with a 25-23 win in the fourth, they cruised their way towards a huge win that also represented Dallas' first W on the road during the 2018-19 season.
Six Dallas players scored in double-digits in this game, including three players coming off the bench. Harrison Barnes led the way with 23 points, five rebounds and four steals, while young guards Dennis Smith Jr. and Luka Doncic contributed with 11 points each; Doncic also chipped in with six rebounds and three assists. J.J. Barea had 14 points off the bench, while Maximilian Kleber (12 points) and Dwight Powell (11 points) looked solid off the bench as well.
Zach LaVine was the best player for the Bulls since he finished with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Justin Holiday contributed with 14 points, and Jabari Parker added 16 points, six rebounds and two assists for the losing cause. Wendell Carter Jr. only scored seven points, but chipped in with 10 rebounds and two blocks.
The Mavericks (5-8) seem to be turning their season around following a negative start and now they have won three of their last four; that's quite an impressive achievement considering they began the year with a 2-7 record. Dallas jumped ahead 25-20 after the first quarter, and they further increased their lead to 56-49 at the break. The Bulls (4-10) fought back and made it things closer with a 26-22 win in the third quarter, to make it a three-point game entering the final 12 minutes of action. But the Mavs closed things out and with a 25-23 win in the fourth, they cruised their way towards a huge win that also represented Dallas' first W on the road during the 2018-19 season.
Six Dallas players scored in double-digits in this game, including three players coming off the bench. Harrison Barnes led the way with 23 points, five rebounds and four steals, while young guards Dennis Smith Jr. and Luka Doncic contributed with 11 points each; Doncic also chipped in with six rebounds and three assists. J.J. Barea had 14 points off the bench, while Maximilian Kleber (12 points) and Dwight Powell (11 points) looked solid off the bench as well.
Zach LaVine was the best player for the Bulls since he finished with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Justin Holiday contributed with 14 points, and Jabari Parker added 16 points, six rebounds and two assists for the losing cause. Wendell Carter Jr. only scored seven points, but chipped in with 10 rebounds and two blocks.
Timberwolves Outlast Nets, 120-113
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 120-113, at Target Center on Monday evening.
The Timberwolves (5-9) entered the contest looking to put together a successful opening chapter to the post-Jimmy Butler era. They would get help with the return to action of Jeff Teague, who'd missed seven games with a knee injury. Additionally, they also saw Andrew Wiggins overcome a questionable designation due to a quadriceps injury to also suit up, giving Minnesota a full starting five. However, the Nets (6-8) were more than game, forging a 31-30 first-quarter lead before the home squad pulled ahead and enjoyed a seven-point halftime advantage. The second half would be just as tightly contested, but the T-Wolves would outscore the Nets by a 63-60 margin over the final two periods to seal the win. A gruesome ankle injury suffered by the Nets' Caris LeVert certainly hurt the visitors' chances, and the emerging wing had to exit the court in a wheelchair. Shooting also made a key difference, as Minnesota posted a 52.5 percent success rate, including 43.5 percent from three-point range. In turn, they limited Brooklyn to 39.6 percent shooting, which was key to them securing a win despite committing 23 turnovers.
D'Angelo Russell paced the Nets with 31 points, a total he supplemented with six assists, two rebounds and two steals. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson posted 14 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Spencer Dinwiddie matched RHJ's scoring total off the bench and added three assists and one steal. DeMarre Carroll provided 11 points, five rebounds and two assists. LeVert pitched in 10 points, five rebounds and four assists over 17 minutes before his injury. Joe Harris and Jared Dudley generated matching eight-point tallies.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 25 points, and he added 21 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. However, he also committed a game-high 10 turnovers. Teague excelled in his return, posting a 24-point, 11-assist double-double that also included one rebound and three steals. Derrick Rose delivered 23 points, six assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Taj Gibson managed a near double-double of 17 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Wiggins totaled 13 points, six boards, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Nets head back home and await a visit from the Miami Heat on Wednesday evening, while the Timberwolves remain home and take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night as well.
The Timberwolves (5-9) entered the contest looking to put together a successful opening chapter to the post-Jimmy Butler era. They would get help with the return to action of Jeff Teague, who'd missed seven games with a knee injury. Additionally, they also saw Andrew Wiggins overcome a questionable designation due to a quadriceps injury to also suit up, giving Minnesota a full starting five. However, the Nets (6-8) were more than game, forging a 31-30 first-quarter lead before the home squad pulled ahead and enjoyed a seven-point halftime advantage. The second half would be just as tightly contested, but the T-Wolves would outscore the Nets by a 63-60 margin over the final two periods to seal the win. A gruesome ankle injury suffered by the Nets' Caris LeVert certainly hurt the visitors' chances, and the emerging wing had to exit the court in a wheelchair. Shooting also made a key difference, as Minnesota posted a 52.5 percent success rate, including 43.5 percent from three-point range. In turn, they limited Brooklyn to 39.6 percent shooting, which was key to them securing a win despite committing 23 turnovers.
D'Angelo Russell paced the Nets with 31 points, a total he supplemented with six assists, two rebounds and two steals. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson posted 14 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Spencer Dinwiddie matched RHJ's scoring total off the bench and added three assists and one steal. DeMarre Carroll provided 11 points, five rebounds and two assists. LeVert pitched in 10 points, five rebounds and four assists over 17 minutes before his injury. Joe Harris and Jared Dudley generated matching eight-point tallies.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 25 points, and he added 21 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. However, he also committed a game-high 10 turnovers. Teague excelled in his return, posting a 24-point, 11-assist double-double that also included one rebound and three steals. Derrick Rose delivered 23 points, six assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Taj Gibson managed a near double-double of 17 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Wiggins totaled 13 points, six boards, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Nets head back home and await a visit from the Miami Heat on Wednesday evening, while the Timberwolves remain home and take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night as well.
Thunder Thump Suns, 118-101
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Phoenix Suns, 118-101, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Monday.
It continues to, for the most part, be no Russell Westbrook no problem for the Thunder (8-5), as Monday's victory was their eighth in the last nine games. Paul George led the way once again in Westbrook's absence, scoring a game-high 32 points on 11-of-19 shooting from the field to go along with eight rebounds and six assists in 36 minutes. Dennis Schroder also continues to perform admirably in place of the superstar point guard, as he recorded 20 points, five rebounds, nine assists and four steals in 36 minutes, but he shot a pretty poor 6-of-19 from the field. The Thunder utilized the three-point line to their advantage Monday and it ended up being the difference in the game, as the team shot a scorching 13-of-27 (48 percent) from behind the arc.
The Suns (2-11), on the other hand, were miserable with their outside shooting, going just 7-of-26 (27 percent) from three, which made is impossible for them to keep pace with the Thunder's hot shooting. T.J Warren led the way for Phoenix, scoring a team-high 21 points on 10-of-14 shooting, while Devin Booker was close behind with 19 points of his own in 37 minutes. Booker's performance wasn't nearly as efficient however, with the shooting guard going 7-of-18 from the field. The game may have been a lot uglier for the Suns had the team's bench not came through with the production they did, as the five reserves accounted for 38 points Monday night.
It continues to, for the most part, be no Russell Westbrook no problem for the Thunder (8-5), as Monday's victory was their eighth in the last nine games. Paul George led the way once again in Westbrook's absence, scoring a game-high 32 points on 11-of-19 shooting from the field to go along with eight rebounds and six assists in 36 minutes. Dennis Schroder also continues to perform admirably in place of the superstar point guard, as he recorded 20 points, five rebounds, nine assists and four steals in 36 minutes, but he shot a pretty poor 6-of-19 from the field. The Thunder utilized the three-point line to their advantage Monday and it ended up being the difference in the game, as the team shot a scorching 13-of-27 (48 percent) from behind the arc.
The Suns (2-11), on the other hand, were miserable with their outside shooting, going just 7-of-26 (27 percent) from three, which made is impossible for them to keep pace with the Thunder's hot shooting. T.J Warren led the way for Phoenix, scoring a team-high 21 points on 10-of-14 shooting, while Devin Booker was close behind with 19 points of his own in 37 minutes. Booker's performance wasn't nearly as efficient however, with the shooting guard going 7-of-18 from the field. The game may have been a lot uglier for the Suns had the team's bench not came through with the production they did, as the five reserves accounted for 38 points Monday night.
Jazz Earn Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 96-88, at FedEx Forum on Monday evening.
The Jazz got out to a great start on the road, as they led, 13-2, halfway through the first quarter. However, the Grizzlies did eventually wake up and managed to trail just, 20-16, heading into the second. The Grizzlies stayed with it in the second, outscoring the Jazz, 27-20, to take a, 43-40, lead into halftime. The Grizz were able to hang on to the edge to start the third, but the Jazz made a push, as they closed the quarter on an, 18-7 run, to claim a 74-69 advantage, entering the final frame. The Jazz stayed in control from there, as they did not let the Grizzlies get closer than a two-point deficit, before they pushed the lead back up to 10 in the final minutes. This marks the third straight win for the Jazz, as well as their fifth road win of the season.
Joe Ingles led Utah with 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal, in 36 minutes. Rudy Gobert followed up with 15 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks and two assists, while Derrick Favors and Donovan Mitchell chipped in 12 points each. The Jazz shot 39 percent from the field, including 9-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Mike Conley led the Grizzlies with 24 points, four rebounds and three assists, in 35 minutes. Marc Gasol tallied 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, while Jaren Jackson Jr. tallied 10 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks, three assists and one steal. The Grizzlies shot 42 percent from the field, including just 4-of-24 from long range.
The Grizzlies (7-5) will look to bounce back as they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Wednesday. The Jazz (7-6) take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Wednesday.
The Jazz got out to a great start on the road, as they led, 13-2, halfway through the first quarter. However, the Grizzlies did eventually wake up and managed to trail just, 20-16, heading into the second. The Grizzlies stayed with it in the second, outscoring the Jazz, 27-20, to take a, 43-40, lead into halftime. The Grizz were able to hang on to the edge to start the third, but the Jazz made a push, as they closed the quarter on an, 18-7 run, to claim a 74-69 advantage, entering the final frame. The Jazz stayed in control from there, as they did not let the Grizzlies get closer than a two-point deficit, before they pushed the lead back up to 10 in the final minutes. This marks the third straight win for the Jazz, as well as their fifth road win of the season.
Joe Ingles led Utah with 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal, in 36 minutes. Rudy Gobert followed up with 15 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks and two assists, while Derrick Favors and Donovan Mitchell chipped in 12 points each. The Jazz shot 39 percent from the field, including 9-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Mike Conley led the Grizzlies with 24 points, four rebounds and three assists, in 35 minutes. Marc Gasol tallied 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, while Jaren Jackson Jr. tallied 10 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks, three assists and one steal. The Grizzlies shot 42 percent from the field, including just 4-of-24 from long range.
The Grizzlies (7-5) will look to bounce back as they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Wednesday. The Jazz (7-6) take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Wednesday.
Kings Sneak By Spurs, 104-99
By Oscar Heanue
The Sacramento Kings defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 104-99, at Golden 1 Center on Monday evening.
It was the fourth and final game in a home stand for the Kings (8-6), who got back on track after going 1-2 in their last three outings. Bolstered by six double-digit scoring performances, Sacramento continued its unexpectedly hot start to the season by holding on to the narrow win. The Kings entered the fourth quarter leading by only one point, but managed to push the lead to seven within the final minute of regulation to escape against a tough San Antonio squad.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led Sacramento with 22 points in only 24 minutes of action. Center Willie Cauley-Stein finished with a double-double, tallying 13 points and 13 rebounds. Point guard De'Aaron Fox also impressed, scoring 19 points including a game-clinching jumper with 17 seconds remaining.
San Antonio (7-5), meanwhile, struggled to control the ball in the loss. The Spurs committed 15 turnovers, contributing largely to a 20-9 Sacramento advantage in fast-break points. Still, San Antonio kept the game close thanks to strong performances from its stars. DeMar DeRozan led the team with 23 points and eight assists, while LaMarcus Aldridge finished with a whopping 18 rebounds and three blocks.
The Spurs will continue on the road, traveling to Phoenix on Wednesday. The Kings, meanwhile, embark on a road trip of their own, visiting Memphis on Thursday followed by a trip to Houston on Friday.
It was the fourth and final game in a home stand for the Kings (8-6), who got back on track after going 1-2 in their last three outings. Bolstered by six double-digit scoring performances, Sacramento continued its unexpectedly hot start to the season by holding on to the narrow win. The Kings entered the fourth quarter leading by only one point, but managed to push the lead to seven within the final minute of regulation to escape against a tough San Antonio squad.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led Sacramento with 22 points in only 24 minutes of action. Center Willie Cauley-Stein finished with a double-double, tallying 13 points and 13 rebounds. Point guard De'Aaron Fox also impressed, scoring 19 points including a game-clinching jumper with 17 seconds remaining.
San Antonio (7-5), meanwhile, struggled to control the ball in the loss. The Spurs committed 15 turnovers, contributing largely to a 20-9 Sacramento advantage in fast-break points. Still, San Antonio kept the game close thanks to strong performances from its stars. DeMar DeRozan led the team with 23 points and eight assists, while LaMarcus Aldridge finished with a whopping 18 rebounds and three blocks.
The Spurs will continue on the road, traveling to Phoenix on Wednesday. The Kings, meanwhile, embark on a road trip of their own, visiting Memphis on Thursday followed by a trip to Houston on Friday.
Clippers Defeat Warriors, 121-116, in Overtime
By Oscar Heanue
The Los Angeles Clippers took down the Golden State Warriors, 121-116, in overtime at Staples Center on Monday.
The Warriors (11-3) were without league-leading scorer Steph Curry (groin), but still managed to hang with the Clippers until the very end. It was shaping up to be an easy win for the Clippers (8-5) in the fourth quarter, as the team held a 12-point lead with just five minutes remaining. The Warriors, though, clawed back in signature fashion, tying the game on a Klay Thompson three-pointer with 86 seconds remaining. Golden State's momentum did not carry over to OT, though, as the Clippers were able to earn the win behind the strong play of big man Montrezl Harrell. Warriors superstar Kevin Durant fouled out with two minutes remaining in overtime, leaving the Warriors without both Curry and Durant to try to close the game on LA's home court.
Harrell led the Clippers with 23 points and four blocks in the win. He was nearly matched by Lou Williams, who scored 22 points. Williams, though, shot just 5-of-18 from the field, struggling to find the basket for much of the fourth quarter. Rookie point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored another 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting.
For Golden State, Durant led the way with a triple-double. The former MVP scored 33 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists in the loss. Thompson also had a big night, scoring 31 points despite his team being unable to secure the win.
Both teams will return to action on Thursday, with the Warriors visiting the struggling Houston Rockets and the Clippers hosting the San Antonio Spurs.
The Warriors (11-3) were without league-leading scorer Steph Curry (groin), but still managed to hang with the Clippers until the very end. It was shaping up to be an easy win for the Clippers (8-5) in the fourth quarter, as the team held a 12-point lead with just five minutes remaining. The Warriors, though, clawed back in signature fashion, tying the game on a Klay Thompson three-pointer with 86 seconds remaining. Golden State's momentum did not carry over to OT, though, as the Clippers were able to earn the win behind the strong play of big man Montrezl Harrell. Warriors superstar Kevin Durant fouled out with two minutes remaining in overtime, leaving the Warriors without both Curry and Durant to try to close the game on LA's home court.
Harrell led the Clippers with 23 points and four blocks in the win. He was nearly matched by Lou Williams, who scored 22 points. Williams, though, shot just 5-of-18 from the field, struggling to find the basket for much of the fourth quarter. Rookie point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored another 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting.
For Golden State, Durant led the way with a triple-double. The former MVP scored 33 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists in the loss. Thompson also had a big night, scoring 31 points despite his team being unable to secure the win.
Both teams will return to action on Thursday, with the Warriors visiting the struggling Houston Rockets and the Clippers hosting the San Antonio Spurs.