With the defense making only a cameo appearance Friday night, the Warriors made it hard on themselves.
But not so hard they couldn’t win.
With Kevin Durant dominating the first half and Klay Thompson taking over in the pivotal third quarter, the Warriors extended their win streak to seven games with a pulsating 124-121 victory over Bucks at Bradley Center.
Thompson made two free throws with 8.5 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Durant poured in 33 points and Thompson totaled 29 – including 18 in the third quarter. Stephen Curry put in 20 points, while Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala each added 10 as the Warriors pushed their record to 11-2.
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The Warriors rang up 30 assists, the seventh consecutive game they’ve posted at least 30.
Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks (5-7) with 30 points. Jabari Parker finished with 28.
STANDOUT PERFORMER
Durant was scalding hot early and Thompson did impressive work after halftime.
Durant’s line: 33 points (10-of-17 shooting from the field, 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, 8-of-11 from the line), six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one blocked shot. He played 36 minutes and was plus-4.
Thompson’s line: 29 points (9-of-17, 5-of-10, 6-of-6), three rebounds and two assists. He played 38 minutes and was plus-21.
TURNING POINT
After a Tony Snell jumper gave the Bucks a 78-77 lead with 7:24 left in the third quarter, the Warriors responded with a 19-6 run to go up 96-84 on a steal and breakaway dunk by Draymond Green with 2:57 left in the quarter.
The Bucks never led or tied again, though a late surge – they outscored the Warriors 14-6 over the final 5:35 – got them as close as two in the final seconds.
INJURY UPDATE
Warriors: C Damian Jones (R pectoral surgery recovery) was listed as out. F James Michael McAdoo was a healthy inactive.
Bucks: F Khris Middleton (L hamstring surgery recovery) was listed as out. G Rashad Vaughn was a healthy inactive.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Warriors return to action Monday in Indianapolis, where they face the Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. PST.
