Warriors at Clippers
THE STORY: The Los Angeles Clippers just completed a six-game road trip and now they open a six-game homestand against the Golden State Warriors. The Clippers went 3-3 on the excursion and finished it in style with an impressive 120-108 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. The Warriors routed the Dallas Mavericks 111-87 on Saturday for their second 20-point victory in three outings. Golden State needs an extended run to get into the playoff picture.
TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area (Golden State), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (16-21): Rookie guard/forward Klay Thompson has scored in double figures in three straight games for the second time this season and is becoming more comfortable with his role. Thompson failed to reach double digits in seven consecutive games prior to the stretch that has seen him average 15.7 points. Thompson has eight 3-pointers during the span and can help the Warriors stretch defenses with his outside prowess. Of course, the amount of minutes he can get will continued to be limited with players like Monta Ellis, Dorell Wright and Brandon Rush on the roster.
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (23-15): Guards Chris Paul and Mo Williams had monstrous games in the victory over the Spurs. Paul matched a season high with 36 points and added 11 assists and Williams had season-best outputs for points with 33 and 3-pointers with seven. Williams had six 3-pointers and scored 22 points in a loss to the Warriors on Feb. 20 but has also scored in single digits in four of the last 10 games. “That’s what the NBA is all about,” Williams said. “You’re going to have your nights and you have to take these in the same way you take the bad nights – forget about them and move onto the next one.”
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. This is the first meeting in Los Angeles this season – the teams split two games in Oakland.
2. Clippers forward Blake Griffin is playing through an ankle injury suffered against New Jersey on Wednesday.
3. Oft-injured Warriors guard Stephen Curry sprained his right ankle against Dallas and his status is unclear.