Raptors at Warriors
The Golden State Warriors got off to a strong start but are stumbling of late with Andre Iguodala out of the lineup. The Warriors will look to put back-to-back wins together for the first time in over two weeks when they host the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. Golden State is 2-3 since Iguodala went down with a hamstring strain and won for just the second time in seven contests with a 115-113 triumph in Sacramento on Sunday.
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson did most of the damage in Sunday’s triumph as the Warriors pulled out a close victory after dropping their previous two by a total of five points. “It’s been frustrating as of late not being able to close out games, especially on the road,” Curry said. “…Everybody pitched in (against the Kings). It was a good learning lesson for us to continue to stick to the program.” The Raptors dropped their last three games and are beginning a three-game West Coast road trip.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), CSN Bay Area (Golden State)
ABOUT THE RAPTORS (6-10): Toronto is somehow leading the Atlantic Division as Philadelphia, Boston, New York and Brooklyn take turns posting disappointing results. The Raptors are getting little production from their bench and were outscored 72-16 in bench points during a 112-98 home loss to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday despite moving Amir Johnson to the bench in an effort to boost the unit. The 72 points marked the most bench points ever conceded by Toronto, and coach Dwane Casey blamed a lack of toughness on the defensive end.
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (10-8): Thompson knocked down a career-high eight 3-pointers and Stephen Curry went off for 36 points and 10 assists, but defense was the talk after the game. “Any fan in the NBA, most of them, they’re not going to notice the defensive side of the ball as far as rotations, being in the right spot at the right time,” Thompson said. “…That’s how we’re going to be great. Commit to that and don’t base our performance too much off of our offense because that’s not going to be there every night.” The defense has slipped without Iguodala, surrendering an average of 108.6 points in the last five games.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Warriors averaged 119.5 points in taking both meetings last season.
2. Toronto F Rudy Gay is averaging 19.7 points but has yet to shoot 50 percent from the floor in any game.
3. Curry is 15-for-28 from 3-point range over the last three games.