Jimmy Butler scored 21 points with five rebounds and five assists as the Golden State Warriors cruised past the Los Angeles Clippers 98-79 at Chase Center on Tuesday night.
Stephen Curry added 19 points and eight assists, while Moses Moody contributed a key 3-pointer in a late third-quarter run that helped the Warriors take control. Quinten Post and Brandin Podziemski each added 12 points.
James Harden scored all 20 of his points for the Clippers by halftime, and Kawhi Leonard had 18 points with five rebounds, but Los Angeles struggled from long range, making just six of 33 three-pointers. Ivica Zubac had a season-best 13 rebounds with 14 points, but the team shot only 36.6% overall.
The Warriors turned a tight second quarter into a decisive lead with a 10-2 run in the final 2:07 of the third, going ahead 78-63 entering the fourth quarter. Al Horford returned from injury, contributing to the team’s frontcourt stability against the Clippers’ size.
Golden State improved to 4-1 on the season, extending their undefeated streak at home to 3-0 against Los Angeles. The Clippers, missing Bradley Beal for the second straight game due to back soreness, fell to 2-2.
The Warriors shot 45.3% from the field and 37.8% from beyond the arc, maintaining control throughout the second half. The Clippers were unable to close the gap despite a strong start, including a 24-6 run that gave them a brief halftime lead.
Golden State will visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, while Los Angeles hosts the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.
