The Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors have a rivalry that stretches back three seasons. The two teams have beefed on the court, in the media and even had to be kept separate during pre-game chapel services in previous years. On Wednesday night, the two teams faced each other in an ESPN nationally televised game.
The Warriors have continued the momentum from their championship run, but the Clippers gave them their first real taste of competition in this early-NBA season. These are my thoughts on the first meeting between the two teams this season.
This game felt like a playoff game and it’s only November. The game had 17 lead changes. Add to that, the Clippers and Warriors were the only undefeated teams left in the Western Conference.
The dubs showed why they are the champs in the 112-108 win, with their execution down the stretch. The Clippers were up late in the fourth quarter. Steph Curry hit with 2:30 left in the quarter, and the Warriors imposed their will from that point to win the game.
The Clippers bench is still sorting itself out.
Quick Numbers:
Chris Paul had 24, Steph Curry had 31.
The fans are apparently intrigued by this match up as well. Likely thanks to the back and forth trash talk during preseason. Clippers vs. Warriors had a rating of 2.3, up 64% over this match up last year.
