The Golden State Warriors (4-1) continued their winning ways, shutting down the Los Angeles Clippers (2-2) in the second half to secure a 98-79 win on October 29.
Here are the key stats and top performers of the game.
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Jimmy Butler GSW SF 21 PTS | 5 REB | 5 AST | 33.5 FPS
Butler has shot 75% from the field over his last two games. While he uncharacteristically went scoreless at the line after starting the season by making 37 of 42 free throws, he still notched his fourth 20-point performance in five games.
BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE:
Ivica Zubac LAC C 14 PTS | 13 REB | 1 BLK | 31.1 FPS
Big Zu finally broke through with his first double-double this year. Last season, he achieved the feat 59 times.
SCORING MACHINES:
Stephen Curry GSW PG 19 PTS | 7-15 FG | 3-3 FT | 37.4 FPS
Steph’s offense slowed down over his last two games after an explosive start, averaging 33 points in his first three. However, he stepped up as a playmaker, leading the game in assists and recording his second outing of the season with 7 or more dimes.
James Harden LAC PG 20 PTS | 6-15 FG | 7-7 FT | 29.3 FPS
Harden led his team in scoring, recording his third straight game with at least 20 points. He’s been very efficient to start the season, shooting 49% from the field and converting 25 of his 27 free-throw attempts. However, his playmaking was shut down today after averaging 10.3 assists over his first three outings.
STAT SPECIALIST:
Draymond Green GSW PF 7 REB | 4 AST | 3 STL | 30.4 FPS
Green has been a consistent threat in many areas to start the season. However, turnovers and foul issues remain.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT:
John Collins LAC PF 7 REB | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 17.4 FPS
Collins struggled to score after consistently posting double-digit points, but he made up for it on defense, tallying at least six rebounds and 2 stocks in four-straight games.
THE SHARPSHOOTER:
Moses Moody GSW SG 9 PTS | 3-7 3PT | 3 REB | 16.6 FPS
Moody has shot 8-for-14 from three in his last two games. In four seasons with the Warriors, he has consistently shot 36% from deep.
THE X-FACTOR:
Brandin Podziemski 12 PTS | 5 REB | 4 AST | 29.0 FPS
Podz was moved to the bench for the second time this season, but he continues to deliver solid production in multiple categories. He’s also starting to heat up offensively, shooting 50% or better from the field and converting 7-of-13 three-pointers over his last two games.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Quinten Post GSW PF 12 PTS | 4-7 3PT | 8 REB 25.6 FPS
Post played 20+ minutes for the first time this season and shined on both ends of the floor. In five preseason games, he shot 39% from three.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Jonathan Kuminga GSW 9 PTS | 5 REB | 1 STL | 17.5 FPS
Kuminga has been on a strong run to start the season, averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds over his first four games. However, he struggled offensively against the Clippers and had limited impact in other areas.
