As Paul racked up All-Star Game appearances and notoriety, Curry’s Warriors slowly evolved into the Clippers’ main rivals. Klay Thompson was the big scorer in that game for Golden State with 30.
Advertisement
Green had nine rebounds and five assists, but only scored nine points on 3-of-8 shooting during Friday night’s game. And Hinrich scored nine of his 17 points in the first 6 minutes before fouling out late, pestering Curry throughout.
But much like the Warriors fended off a double-digit deficit Thursday night to become the fifth team in league history to start 13-0, the Bulls charged back behind their star guard and pulled out a thrilling overtime victory. The Bulls took 70-67 lead on a three by Doug McDermott, but the Warriors responded with a 10-3 run as they held the Bulls to just one field goal in the final four minutes of the quarter. But the Warriors are proving to be one of the best National Basketball Association teams in recent memory, and it’s time to seriously consider the possibility that Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Co. could have a few company at the end of the regular season. The showdown between Thompson and Chicago shooting guard Jimmy Butler would be a fine consolation prize.
Rose had been listed as questionable for the game.
Barnes hit three of his six 3-point attempts on a 20-point night. The Bulls are playing well as they are on a four game winning streak and are in second place in the Eastern Conference.
But Curry and the Warriors proved once again they are never, ever out of a game.
It was the Bulls who gave. Curry had a quiet 40 points, if that’s even a real thing, but it was his presence on the court that forced the Clippers defense into compromised positions. Ish Smith had 17 points and 13 assists for New Orleans (2-11), who snapped a five-game skid.
The come from behind victory is the biggest comeback made by any team this season – the prior being 21 points.
Now they are hoping to continue the momentum as they play at home against the Bulls. “The ball movement is great”.
The difference was just 96-92 before Barnes buried the first of his 3’s with 1:15 to go, making it a seven-point game.
The real question right now is why would you pick anyone else to win the championship this season?
Paul George collected 26 points and 10 rebounds as the Indiana Pacers won 102-91 over the Boston Celtics on the road.
“I have a very good relationship going back a long time with Bob Myers”, Hoiberg said before the game. “I got to be more aggressive offensively and look for my opportunities”. It’ll be fascinating to see how the Bulls counter the Warriors’ small-ball attack (Draymond Green at center) when they’ve got the quartet of Taj Gibson, Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah and Nikola Mirotic. Or will the Warriors keep on winning?
For the first time this season, Walton addressed the elephant in the locker room during his pregame speech to the players.
A win on Sunday night in Denver would match the 15-0 starts by the 1948-49 Washington Capitols and 1993-94 Houston Rockets. 82-0, here they come.
Advertisement
“It’s a motivational tool for us”, said backup point guard Shaun Livingston, who returned after missing two games with a strained left hip flexor. You could feel it coming.
