Curry, Thompson lead Warriors in rout over Grizzlies


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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The Golden State Warriors matched their franchise record for wins in a season by routing the closest team to them in the Western Conference.

And, whatever is bothering the Memphis Grizzlies continues to plague the team that is now losing its grip on what once was a solid hold of the second seed.

Stephen Curry had 38 points and 10 assists, leading the Warriors to their 59th win with a 107-84 victory over the Grizzlies on Friday night. Klay Thompson finished with 28 points and Draymond Green added 10 as the Warriors (59-13) won their eighth straight, solidifying their hold on the top spot in the Western Conference.

"I think we executed offensively, for most of that game, the best we have in a while," Curry said. "Obviously, we did what we did on defense, but the ball was moving all around and guys were making plays and it was just fun to watch and fun to play."

Curry and Thompson were a combined 22 of 39 from the field and converted 14 of 21 from outside the arc. Golden State made 16 of 31 from 3-point range. It was the Warriors 13th win in the last 14 games.

"It was a really good, solid effort, and it continues a stretch we've been on the last couple of weeks," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said, later adding: "We defend like crazy. We take care of the ball. We move the ball. It's a pretty simple formula. It's not that simple to execute, but our guys are doing it real well."

Mike Conley and Jeff Green led Memphis with 16 points each, while Marc Gasol scored 13 points. Zach Randolph finished with 10 points.

The lopsided loss was the second straight for the Grizzlies where a top-shelf opponent ran away for a big victory. Memphis lost to Cleveland 111-89 on Wednesday night. The loss to the Warriors, coupled with Houston defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-110 Friday night, left the Grizzlies with a scant one-half game advantage over the Rockets.

"We didn't hit shots, they did," Randolph said continually shaking his head. "That's a good team. Good shooters. Best shooter in the league in Curry. These last two games have been tough."

In addition to the Warriors' 3-point shooting, Golden State turned 19 Memphis turnovers into 32 points.

"Our turnovers are killing us," Memphis coach Dave Joerger said.

The Warriors basically took over the game in the third and were only slightly threatened the rest of the way, in recording their 42nd double-digit win of the season. Curry scored 17 of his points in the third, converting 6 of 9 shots, including 4 of 6 from outside the arc.

That helped the Warriors extend the lead to as many as 22 as Golden State outscored Memphis 31-16 in the quarter, carrying an 85-65 lead into the fourth.

"I say just moving the ball," Thompson said of the third-quarter difference. "It's that simple."

Memphis used an 8-0 run early in the fourth to make it interesting for the home crowd. But Curry re-entered and promptly made a 3-pointer and was fouled on his next 3-point attempt. After making all three free throws, the Warriors' lead was back to 20, and Memphis fans headed for the exits.

___

TIP-INS

Warriors: Curry has at least one 3-pointer in 70 straight games. ... Curry's 38 points were the most scored against the Grizzlies since Jason Richardson's 38 on Nov. 5, 2010.

Grizzlies: Memphis had its 14th sellout of the season. ... Memphis G Tony Allen left the game in the third quarter with a left hamstring strain and did not return.

THAT MAKES EVERYONE

The Grizzlies were the last team Golden State had not defeated this season. "It's been a weird schedule," Kerr said, noting that Memphis has not traveled to Golden State. "The main thing is to go on the road and beat one of the best teams in the league with a really decisive effort. That's very gratifying."

UP NEXT

Warriors: At Milwaukee on Saturday.

Grizzlies: At San Antonio on Sunday.

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