Clippers at Warriors
THE STORY: The Los Angeles Clippers are seeking their 20th victory of the campaign, a number they didn’t reach three short years ago when they finished 19-63. But this season’s version of the Clippers leads the Pacific Division even after losing to San Antonio in overtime on Saturday despite 22 points and 20 rebounds from Blake Griffin. The Warriors have dropped three straight games, including a one-point loss to Memphis on Saturday. Golden State is 1-6 in contests decided by three or fewer points.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, FS Prime Ticket (Clippers), CS Bay Area (Warriors)
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (19-10): Griffin has highlight reels of incredible dunks and is known for terrific performances, but the 20-point, 20-rebound outing was the first of his 111-game career. Griffin has 67 career double-doubles – including 20 this season – but had never previously grabbed 20 rebounds in a game. The Spurs were powerless to stop Griffin as he grabbed seven offensive boards. Griffin has scored 20 or more points in five straight games and is averaging 21.2 points and 11.4 rebounds.
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (11-17): Golden State backcourt mates Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry are extra fun to watch when both players are having big games. Curry matched his season-high with 36 points and Ellis had 33 points in the loss to Memphis. Curry hit a season-best six 3-pointers and Ellis scored 30 or more for the fourth time in nine games. Ellis averages 22.0 points and Curry is scoring at a 17.2 clip.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Clippers beat the Warriors in Oakland on Dec. 25 for only their third win in their last 11 visits to the Bay Area.
2. Griffin is averaging 23.4 points and 12.0 rebounds in five career games against Golden State.
3. The Warriors are 2-7 when Ellis scores 30 or more points.