LOS ANGELES – The Clippers blew a 23-point first half lead and lost to the reigning NBA Champions for the second time this year 124-117 in front of a star-studded crowd at Staples Center on Thursday night.
HOW IT HAPPENED
ESPN announced before the game that Clippers point guard Chris Paul was NOT going to play due to a groin injury, but less than an hour before tip-off, the team announced themselves that Paul would suit up for the game.
CP3 started out on fire, going 7-for-7 to start the game with 18 points. Reigning NBA MVP Steph Curry picked up two quick first quarter fouls and saw the court for just four short minutes.
Behind Paul, the Clippers roared out to a 41-25 lead and led by as many as 23 points in the first half.
The Warriors cut down the lead in the third quarter and Draymond Green hit a three at the buzzer to cut the lead to just six points heading into the fourth quarter.
Curry continued his hot start from beyond the arc this season, and the Warriors got within one point before the Clippers went on a 9-0 run and opened up the lead back to double digits with 5:35 remaining...but it was not over.
After a frenzied finish that saw each team trade three-point baskets like it was candy, the Warriors took the lead and closed out the game on an 11-2 run.
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TURNING POINT
Draymond Green hit a three-pointer to close out the third quarter. Green's confidence and swagger said enough as he turned to Derek Jeter sitting courtside behind him, stuck his tongue out and pounded his chest.
MVP OF THE GAME
Steph Curry. In what felt like a bad game for the reigning NBA MVP, Curry had 40 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists and three steals.
STAT OF THE NIGHT
The Golden State Warriors are 13-0 and two wins away from the best start to a season in NBA history.
TWEET OF THE NIGHT
Clippers are only winning because Senior Editor Blake Griffin is showing off to impress Founding Editor Derek Jeter. — KL Chouinard (@KLChouinard) November 20, 2015
Apparently not impressive enough.
PHOTO OF THE NIGHT
Sorry Clippers fam pic.twitter.com/JPAx1f93O1 — Basketball Forever (@Bballforeverfb) November 20, 2015
Nothing says a heartbreaking loss like the "Michael Jordan Crying face."
QUOTE OF THE NIGHT
"Competition." – Chris Paul on why he played despite a strained groin.
NOTES
Floyd Mayweather, Derek Jeter, Jamie Foxx, Holly Holm and Beyonce all were spotted courtside for the game.
Lance Stephenson did not play in the game for the first time all season.
RECORD
Golden State Warriors (13-0) (6-0 on the road) 1st in Pacific Division
Los Angeles Clippers (6-6) (5-2 at home) 2nd in Pacific Division
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Warriors travel back to the Roarcle to host the Chicago Bulls as they look to stay undefeated.
The Clippers travel to Portland where they'll look to shake off a tough loss against the Trailblazers.
