Klay Thompson’s brilliant performance helped the Golden State Warriors to an important win against the Utah Jazz and preserved the Warriors’ chances of making the playoffs. Minnesota defended its top position in the West.
The Golden State Warriors scored an important victory in the battle for the playoff spots against a direct competitor before the NBA All-Star break. The team around superstar Stephen Curry won on Thursday (February 15, 2024, local time) with 140:137 at the Utah Jazz. With tenth place in the Western Conference, the 2022 champions can at least still have hopes of making the playoffs. The Utah Jazz remain in eleventh place, which would mean elimination at the end of the regular season.
Thompson off the bench, but with 35 points
Klay Thompson became the best thrower with a personal season-high of 35 points, although the 34-year-old was not in the starting lineup for the first time since his debut season in 2011/12. Thompson hit seven three-pointers. Curry remained unremarkable by his standards with 16 points. The Warriors have won their last five road games.
Timberwolves continue to be top in the West, next bankruptcy for Bucks
The Minnesota Timberwolves cemented their status as the best team in the Western Conference with a 128:91 (66:51) away win at the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Milwaukee Bucks around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo lost their last game before the all-star break with 110:113 (57:57) at the Memphis Grizzlies. Even 35 points from Antetokounmpo couldn’t prevent the second defeat in a row. The 2021 champions still have a good starting position for the playoffs as third in the Eastern Conference.
NBA goes into Allstar Weekend
League operations in the NBA are now on pause as the All-Star Weekend is coming up in Indianapolis. The best players in the league compete against each other at the show event.