After blowing a 23-point third-quarter lead, the Warriors recovered in the fourth quarter to close out the Hawks and take a 102-92 victory Friday night at Philips Arena in Atlanta.
Steph Curry finished with a game-high 36 points as the Warriors put away the stubborn Hawks. Klay Thompson fired in 27 points and Harrison Barnes added 14.
The Warriors became the fastest team in NBA history to reach 50 wins, and their 50-5 record keeps them one game ahead of the record pace of the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who finished with 72 wins.
The Warriors used defense to take over the game late, after the Hawks (31-27) rallied from 23 down, closing the third quarter with a 28-6 run.
Center Andrew Bogut, bothered by a nagging Achilles strain and cleared to start shortly before game time, was particularly effective inside, where he recorded three of his five blocked shots during the comeback.
The Warriors reached the 50-win mark for the seventh time in franchise history – and the third consecutive season for the first time ever.
STANDOUT PERFORMER:
Curry was efficient and at times spectacular, but he had plenty of help.
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Curry’s line: 36 points (14-of-22 shooting, including 5-of-11 from beyond the arc), eight assists, six rebounds and three steals. He finished plus-13 for the game.
Draymond Green’s line: 6 points (only 2-of-10 shooting), with a team-high 14 rebounds and a game-high nine assists. He was splendid on defense, finishing plus-15 for the game.
Bogut’s line: 3 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks, four assists and a steal.
TURNING POINT:
After a Dennis Schroeder layup gave the Hawks a 3-point lead (82-79) with 10:09 remaining, the Warriors roared by with a 16-2 run to take a 95-84 advantage with 2:36 left to play.
The Warriors limited the Hawks to 1-of-10 shooting, with three turnovers, during the pivotal stretch. Atlanta never got closer than eight over the final two minutes.
INJURY UPDATE:
Warriors: C Andrew Bogut (R Achilles strain), listed as questionable, was declared available prior to tipoff and inserted into the starting lineup. F James Michael McAdoo (L foot toe sprain) was ruled out prior to tipoff. C Festus Ezeli (L knee surgery) is not with the team.
Hawks: C Tiago Splitter (R hip surgery) was listed as out.
WHAT’S NEXT:
The Warriors return to action Wednesday in Miami, where they face the Heat at American Airlines Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. (PST).
