The Golden State Warriors avenged themselves from their Game Two defeat. Sound shooting and rebounding gave the Warriors a 132-105 edge. The Warriors now lead the series 2-1.
“We were playing from behind from the beginning of the game,” said Clippers guard Lou Williams. “They came out ready to play. We embarrassed them on their home floor at last game. I’m guessing that’s how they felt.”
On defense, the Warriors were aggressive by making 11 blocks, nine more than the Clippers. Golden State shot at 42.9 percent in three-pointers and 54.8 from the field.
Forward Kevin Durant led all scorers with 38 points and seven assists. Center Andrew Bogut made 14 rebounds. Center Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 18 points and 15 rebounds.
Durant started a seven-point run while the Clippers failed to land baskets. When Curry was forced off the three-point line, he found points in the paint. Golden State shot with accuracy throughout the first quarter, shooting at 76.3 percent from the field. Durant did not miss any of his five field goals although he acquired two fouls.
“We love the way he started the game,” Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said about Durant. “We just decided to keep him out there. We trust him to play with fouls.”
The Clippers struggled keep up with the Warriors, who kept finding three point shots. Durant continued to shoot soundly while guard Klay Thompson found his shot from behind the arc; they combined for 25 points in the second quarter. Los Angeles was sent to the free throw line seven times and went 13-14 in charity points, but that was not enough to escape from having a 21 deficit by halftime.
“They dissected us,” said Clippers head coach Doc Rivers. “You felt like—at least I did—they were going to come in and try to throw a punch. They did. I don’t think we just responded very well to it.”
The game got more physical in the third quarter and the officials gave out many fouls. Durant and Curry earned their third foul each early on. Beverley earned a technical foul along with Durant.
“Me and JaMychal Green were just conversing about the play that happened before,” Durant said. “And somebody came out of nowhere and teched us both.”
Los Angeles endured a three-minute scoring drought and the Warriors took advantage by making 15 points at that time. The Clippers began to find their offensive footing with shots from guard Lou Williams and center Montrezl Harrell, but found few defensive stops.
“They were just physical, heightened their level of physicality and intensity on that end, which you expect after the other night in Game Two,” said guard Landry Shamet. “They did what any good team would do, respond to getting embarrassed, that’s how we look at it.”
Both Green and Harrell scored 15 points each in the matchup, Williams scored 16 points and six assists. The Clippers had six steals compared to Golden State’s four but gave up 20 points to turnovers.
Game 3 of the Clippers vs Warriors series will commence on Sunday, April 21 12:30P.M.
