Oakland

Big Night From Big Four Lifts Warriors Past Nuggets

OAKLAND -- The Warriors opened 2017 with style Monday night at Oracle Arena, taking a 127-119 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

All five starters scored in double figures for the first time this season. Klay Thompson led the way, with 25 points, followed by Stephen Curry (22), Kevin Durant (21), Draymond Green (15) and Zaza Pachulia (11). Ian Clark came off the bench to add 12 points.

The Warriors (30-5) won at home for the eighth consecutive game

The Warriors shot 52.6 percent from the field in downing the Nuggets for the second time in two games this season and the eighth time in the last 10 meetings overall.

Denver (14-20) had six players score in double figures, led by Nikola Jokic and Wilson Chandler, with 21 points each.

STANDOUT PERFORMER:
On a night of splendid offensive balance, it's fitting that the honor goes to Green, who submitted his second triple-double of the season.

Green's line: 15 points (5-of-8 from the field, 1-of-2 from deep, 4-of-6 from the line), 10 rebounds and 13 assists. He played 36 minutes and was plus-11.

Curry moved past Dale Ellis and into 15th place on the all-time list of 3-pointers. Curry now has 1,722. Special mention goes to the Warriors reserves for their startling efficiency on offense, as they combined for 14-of-23 shooting (60.9 percent).

TURNING POINT:
When the Nuggets got within two (70-68) with 11:10 left in the third quarter, the Warriors responded with a 10-2 run to go up 80-70 on a Durant layup with 8:08 left in the quarter.

The Warriors, who trailed by as much as five in the first half, took a 94-85 lead into the fourth quarter and never allowed the Nuggets to get closer than six over the final 12 minutes.

INJURY UPDATE:
Warriors: G Shaun Livingston (L hip and R elbow contusions), G Pat McCaw (flu-like symptoms) and C JaVale McGee (illness) were listed as questionable. Livingston and McGee were cleared prior to tipoff. McCaw was placed on the inactive list, along with healthy inactive C Damian Jones.

Nuggets: F Kenneth Faried (low back soreness), G Jameer Nelson (abdominal strain) and F Darrell Arthur (L knee soreness) were listed as questionable. Nelson was cleared prior to tipoff. Faried and Arthur were placed on the inactive list.

WHAT'S NEXT:
The Warriors return to action Wednesday night, when they face the Portland Trail Blazers at Oracle Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30.

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