Los Angeles (29-31) at Golden State (28-35)
Currently: - Game info: 10:30 pm EST Fri Mar 9, 2007
- TV: NBATV, FSBA
Now that they’re healthy, the Golden State Warriors will be looking for some revenge against a team they’re chasing for a spot in the postseason.
The Warriors look for their first three-game winning streak since November when they meet the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night at Oracle Arena.
Golden State (28-35) is 12th in the Western Conference, but just 2 1/2 games behind the Clippers (29-31) for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Warriors haven’t played in the postseason since 1993-94.
Golden State lost 103-90 to Los Angeles on Feb. 24, starting a season-high six-game losing streak, but have rebounded with impressive wins over Detroit and Denver. The Warriors held the Nuggets to 38.4 percent shooting Wednesday and outscored them 22-11 in the third quarter en route to a 110-96 victory.
Leading scorer Baron Davis had 22 points in just his second game back after missing 13 with a knee injury while Stephen Jackson hit four 3’s and finished with 18 points in his second game after being out for four with a fractured left toe.
Jason Richardson, who has been in the lineup the last two weeks after missing more than six weeks with a broken bone in his right hand, also had four 3-pointers and finished with 16. The Warriors hit 16 of 34 from 3-point range as all five starters scored double figures.
“We just have to go from here,” Golden State’s Monta Ellis said. “Everybody is back and we’re playing great basketball right now. We just need to continue doing what we are doing.”
The Warriors will try to win three in a row for the first time since a season-high five-game run Nov. 9-18.
“The last three games, we’ve been playing together, playing as a team,” said Richardson, who is averaging 24.3 points in that span—10 more than his season average. “We’re playing at a high level right now.”
The Warriors also have been playing at a high level at home, going 21-10 there this season and averaging 108.5 points. They’ll host a Los Angeles’ squad that has dropped six of its last seven on the road and is just 8-20 away from home this season.
The Clippers have lost two of their last three games, including an 88-74 defeat to San Antonio on Monday night. Los Angeles matched its season low in points and shot just 37.5 percent (30-for-80) from the field, including 1 of 9 from 3-point range.
“They aren’t going to give you many good looks because they defend well, but when you get them you have to score, and we missed those opportunities,” said Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy, whose squad plays seven of its next eight on the road.
Corey Maggette had 19 points and Elton Brand added 15 and were the only starters in double figures for the Clippers, who have also been hit with injures. Sam Cassell has missed three straight games with a strained right groin and is questionable for this game. Quinton Ross is day-to-day with a right hip pointer and Shaun Livingston is out for the rest of the season with a severe knee injury.
The Clippers hope to get back on track versus the Warriors, who they have beaten in two of three meetings this season and nine of the last 11 overall.
Team Comparison
| Team | Record | Standings | PF | PA | Road/Home | Streak | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 40-42 | 4th Pacific / 9th West | 95.6 | 96.1 | Road 15-26 | Lost 1 | 5-5 |
| Golden State | 42-40 | 3rd Pacific / 8th West | 106.5 | 106.9 | Home 30-11 | Won 5 | 9-1 |
Blog Coverage from SB Nation
Clips Nation
Golden State Of MindNotes
Clippers F Zach Randolph missed the finale because of a mild concussion. ... Los Angeles F Al Thornton, notorious for munching on McDonald's before games, said he will cut out all fast food and hire a chef to eat healthier in preparation for next season. Thornton has a torn tendon in his right shoulder and has not played the last five games. ... The Clippers finished the season 19-63, the eighth worst-record in franchise history.
Apr 16, 1:13 am EDT
Golden State players missed a combined 234 games with injuries. ... The Warriors had eight players in uniform and used only seven. ... C Andris Biedrins (nine points) and F-C Ronny Turiaf (eight) were the only players not to score in double figures for Golden State.
Apr 16, 1:58 am EDT