The Golden State Warriors remain undefeated after five games, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 112-108 thanks to Stephen Curry's explosive fourth quarter.
It was not as easy as many expected going into tonight's game as the Clippers gave the defending NBA Champions their first real test of the season taking them down to the wire. Of the 30 total points that the Warriors scored in that final 12 minutes, Curry attributed to 13 of those including two clutch free throws late that increased their lead to four points and essentially killing off the game. This is what makes the reigning MVP so much fun to watch. Give him an inch of space anywhere on the court and he will make you pay.
Although Steph led the game in points, with 31, he certainly had help tonight. In fact each and every started ended the night in double figures. Harrison Barnes scored ten straight points to trim the Los Angeles' lead to a mere point. Barnes did much more than score tonight, he helped slow down Blake Griffin, while still managing to score 23, and pulled down two offensive boards to keep possessions alive.
For Doc Rivers, he should be disappointed with the way his ball club played. After going down big, at one time 17 points, they never gave into the run and gun offense of the Warriors. In that third quarter, the Clippers looked as if they got anything and everything they wanted on the offensive side of the ball. JJ Redick scored seven of his 13 points in a matter of four minutes with a couple of three point jump shots, including one with the time winding down.
Once again, Blake Griffin had a monster game ending the night second on his team with 23 points going 10-21`from the field, bringing down 10 boards and finishing with six assists. Now in his sixth season in the league, Griffin seems to have improved yet again. He looks like a complete player. The 26-year-old is still able to use his physicality to maneuver his way down low to get a high-percentage shot under the rim. However, his jumper has gotten exponentially better with the elbow jump shot becoming more consistent.
Chris Paul was not in on the final play of the game because the Clippers suspect that he may have a groin problem which would derail much of the offense especially considering the fact he finished with a team high 24 points and accounted for nine of his team's 24 assists.
On Saturday, it does not get any easier for the Los Angeles Clippers as they return home to face the Houston Rockets on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Warriors will stay home to play the Denver Nuggets.