LAS VEGAS – Even the deepest relationships go on pause at tipoff, as Steve Kerr reminded Luke Walton on Friday night.
Facing his good friend and former top assistant, Kerr’s Warriors unloaded on Walton’s Lakers early before hanging on for a 112-107 preseason win at T-Mobile Arena.
Klay Thompson scored 24 points, Kevin Durant dropped in 17, Stephen Curry put in 14, Patrick McCaw tossed in 13 and JaVale McGee added 12 as the Warriors (4-1) won their fourth consecutive preseason game.
The Warriors led by as much as 17 in the first quarter, outshooting LA (2-4) 66.7 percent to 47.1, expanding the cushion to 30 in the second quarter before going in with a 74-47 halftime lead.
The Warriors beat the Lakers on the glass, with a 43-38 rebounding advantage. Moreover, they committed four turnovers in the first half while passing for 18 assists. They finished with 29 assists and 19 turnovers.
STANDOUT PERFORMERS:
The night belonged to Thompson and Durant, who shot the Lakers off the floor shortly after tipoff.
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Thompson’s line: 24 points (9-of-13 shooting from the field, 4-of-6 from 3-point distance and 2-of-2 from the line), three assists and two rebounds. He played 19 minutes and finished plus-25.
Durant’s line: 17 points (7-of-11, 3-of-5 from deep), five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. He played 22 minutes and finished plus-16
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE:
Kevon Looney started at power forward in place of Draymond Green. The rookie didn’t produce much offense (7 points) but posted a game-high nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. He played 23 minutes of action and was plus-15.
McGee didn’t enter the game until midway through the third quarter with the Warriors well in command. He played 14 minutes, totaling 12 points, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. He finished minus-17 but posted the highlight of the night, a soaring dunk over forward Thomas Robinson in the fourth quarter.
INJURY UPDATE:
Warriors: F Draymond Green (rest), F Andre Iguodala (rest), F David West (rest), C Damian Jones (R pectoral surgery) and G Elliot Williams (R knee surgery) were listed as out and did not play.
Lakers: G Lou Williams (rest) and G Jose Calderon (L calf strain) were listed as out and did not play.
WHAT’S NEXT:
The Warriors return to action Wednesday night, when they face the Lakers at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego.
