Curry moves up Warriors’ scoring charts in win over Cavs
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Stephen Curry scored 40 points to move into third place on Golden State’s career list, and the Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-114 on Friday night.
Draymond Green had 20 points and eight rebounds, Kevin Durant added 15 points and eight assists, and Quinn Cook scored 14 to help the Warriors (55-24) inch closer to clinching the Western Conference in their second-to-last regular season game at Oracle Arena.
With 16,283 points Curry trails only Wilt Chamberlain (17,783) and Rick Barry (16,447) on the Warriors career scoring charts.
Collin Sexton scored 27 points, one night after becoming the third rookie in Cavaliers history to reach 1,300 points. Cleveland has lost seven straight.
The game had a lot less hype than previous seasons when the Warriors and Cavaliers squared off in four straight NBA Finals. While Golden State is headed back to the postseason for a possible third consecutive championship, Cleveland is limping to the finish with hopes of getting the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
The Warriors need one more win or a Denver loss to secure the top spot and home court advantage in the West.
Curry is a big reason why Golden State is back on top despite a sometimes tumultuous season. The two-time MVP made 9 of 12 3s and had seven assists in the wire-to-wire win, the Warriors ninth consecutive over the Cavaliers.
Golden State led by 21, then had to hold off a late flurry by Cleveland.
Larry Nance Jr. scored seven points as part of a 12-4 run. Then, Sexton scored on a 3-pointer and reverse layup to pull the Cavs within three point at 115-112.
Curry made his ninth 3-pointer, then added two free throws with 7.4 seconds remaining.
Curry made four 3s in the first quarter and had a four-point play to help Golden State get off to a fast start.
GETTING THE GOLD
Green presented Nick Young with his championship ring from last season during a ceremony before the game.
TIP-INS
Cavaliers: Brandon Knight was called for a technical foul in the third quarter. … Thompson returned to the lineup after getting a day off Thursday in Sacramento. … Matthew Dellavedova remains in concussion protocol.
Warriors: Klay Thompson scored 11 points and went 1 of 7 on 3s. … DeMarcus Cousins (load management) and Andre Igoudala (sore left toe) were held out.
UP NEXT
Cavaliers: Host San Antonio on Sunday.
Warriors: Host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.
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