The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Golden State Warriors 112-104 in their home opener on Sunday night, a game marred by the injury to star player Stephen Curry. Curry exited the match in the fourth quarter due to a left ankle injury after attempting to play through the discomfort.
Ivica Zubac was a standout for the Clippers, recording 23 points and 18 rebounds. Andrew Wiggins played well for the Warriors, scoring 29 points, including a crucial three-pointer that narrowed the lead to one point late in the game. Curry contributed 18 points and six assists before leaving the game at the 7:55 mark of the fourth quarter, after tweaking his ankle late in the third quarter.
James Harden also made a significant impact for the Clippers with 23 points and 11 assists, hitting all nine of his free throw attempts. The Clippers were without star forward Kawhi Leonard, who is recovering from a right knee injury.
Prior to the game, a moment of silence was observed for Hall of Famer Al Attles, who passed away at the age of 87, and a video tribute was shown during a timeout in the first quarter.
Key moments from the game included the Warriors challenging a foul call against Draymond Green, which was overturned to a charge on Zubac. The Clippers turned defensive pressure into offense, forcing 21 turnovers by the Warriors that resulted in 21 points, although they also committed 18 turnovers themselves.
The Clippers will return home to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday as part of a five-game homestand, while the Warriors will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday in the first of back-to-back matchups.