Warriors

Warriors Survive Ugly Fourth, Beat Sixers Late

The Warriors played a strong first half Saturday, and it was barely enough for a 108-105 win over the 76ers before a sellout crowd at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

Klay Thompson was superb for the second consecutive game, pouring in game-high 32 points to lead the way. Two other Warriors scored in double digits, as Stephen Curry put in 23 points, Harrison Barnes tossed in 11 and Draymond Green added 10.

Barnes, however, made the biggest bucket of the night, draining an open 3-pointer from the corner with 0.9 seconds left to snap a tie and provide the final margin. It was the second game-winning shot of his career.

The Warriors (43-4) announced shortly before tipoff that forward Andre Iguodala would sit out for rest. With a 19-point halftime lead, they surely hoped to rest their starters in the fourth quarter against the team with the worst record in the league.

But coach Steve Kerr’s roster failed to create the desired separation. After a first half in which the Warriors tied a franchise record for assists in a half with 26, they were outscored 51-35 after halftime.

How bad was the closeout period? The Warriors had as many turnovers (seven) as field goals in the fourth quarter.

Seven different players scored in double figures for the 76ers (7-41), led by Isaiah Canaan’s 18 points.

STANDOUT PERFORMER:

Thompson wins the honor for the second consecutive game, beating out Green.

His line: 32 points (14 of 26, 4 of 10 from deep).

Green’s line: 10 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists.

TURNING POINT:

After an Isaiah Canaan 3-pointer brought the 76ers within six (45-39) with 8:39 left in the second quarter, the Warriors responded with a 15-4 run to go up 60-43 with 3:46 remaining in the half.

Four different Warriors scored during the rally, with Thompson putting in 6 points. The Warriors during that stretch forced Philly to miss five of seven shots and commit a turnover.

Though 76ers rallied late, pulling into a 105-105 tie with 22.3 seconds remaining, they never took a lead after the opening minutes of the first quarter.

INJURY UPDATE:

Warriors: F Andre Iguodala (rest), F James Michael McAdoo (L foot toe sprain) and C Festus Ezeli (L knee soreness) were declared out prior to game time.

76ers: C Joel Embiid (R foot injury) is listed was listed as out.

WHAT’S NEXT: 

The Warriors get back to work Sunday, when they face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:35 p.m. PST.

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