The Golden State Warriors, as fans and critics have expected, are kings of the NBA right now. Against the Brooklyn Nets, the Warriors showed why they lead the league after bucking off a slow start to dispatch the home team with a 117-101 decision last Dec. 22.
Golden State struggled at the start of the game, even surrendering a 16-point lead at the end of the first half but maintained their composure to turn the tables behind new acquisition Kevin Durant who scorched hot for 26 points on top of nine rebounds and seven assists, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The Warriors notched their 27th win in 31 outings to lead the NBA in the standings. The injury-plagued Nets, meanwhile, are in last place in the Eastern Conference.
Warriors marksman Klay Thompson was on target Thursday night as he fired 23 points to help his side. Reigning two-time Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry added 15 points while veteran slotman Zaza Pachulia also chipped in 15 markers to compensate for Draymond Green's loss who attended to his pregnant wife who gave birth to his son, Draymond Jamal Green Jr.
Up next for the Warriors are championship rivals Cleveland Cavaliers as both NBA powerhouses face each other on Christmas Day for the second straight year.
In their game last year, the Cavaliers fell short of their opponents on an 83-89 loss but took revenge when they dethroned the Warriors to give the team its first championship in franchise history.
There would be five games that will be played on Christmas Day. The Boston Celtics will face East rivals New York Knicks while the Los Angeles Lakers will clash with the Los Angeles Clippers. The San Antonio Spurs will meet the Chicago Bulls while the young Minnesota Timberwolves will challenge the Russell Westbrook-led Oklahoma City Thunder.
According to SB Nation, the Warriors-Cavaliers dispute is definitely the must watch of all five Christmas games.