Warriors end Suns’ 18-game win streak

SAN FRANCISCO – Stephen Curry scored 23 points as the Golden State Warriors snapped the Phoenix Suns’ record 18-game winning streak with a dominating 118-96 win on Friday night in San Francisco.

The Warriors (19-3) avenged a loss to the Suns three nights earlier as the two NBA juggernauts played musical chairs with the top spot in the Western Conference standings this week.

The Warriors improve to a league-leading 12-1 at home and now lead the conference, moving a half game ahead of the Suns who dropped to 19-4.

“I thought we were much more patient, especially in the second half,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. “Once we settled down, I thought we were really poised and competed and earned a really good win.”

Curry busted loose on Friday after the Suns bottled him up in a 104-96 Suns win in Phoenix. Curry, who shot four of 21 on Tuesday, was better prepared for the rematch, shooting eight-of-20 from the floor and making a half dozen three pointers in 33 minutes of playing time in front of a crowd of 18,060 at Chase Center arena.

He got plenty of help from his supporting cast, including Draymond Green who delivered nine points, dished out nine assists and grabbed nine rebounds in the win.

Elsewhere, Marcus Morris scored a team high 21 points and Paul George chipped in 19 as the Los Angeles Clippers rolled over the Los Angeles Lakers 119-115 in the first meeting of the season between the freeway rivals.

Luke Kennard also had 19 points for the Clippers while Reggie Jackson added 16 as the Clippers ended a three-game losing streak.

Anthony Davis scored 27 points with 10 rebounds for the Lakers, while LeBron James had 23 points with 11 rebounds after missing Tuesday’s contest at Sacramento due to COVID-19 protocols.