Slam Dunk Central

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It is becoming apparent that the Golden State Warriors would only be a shell of their current selves if not for the clutch play of point guard Baron Davis; Friday night’s contest between the Warriors and Chicago Bulls would validate that statement as Davis matched a career-high with 40 points, leading Golden State to a come-from-behind victory over the Bulls 119-11 at the United Center.

The Bulls’ Andres Nocioni scored 18 points while playing a shade over 12 minutes in the first half; he had a 3-point play?and a 3-pointer?during a Chicago 16-3 run starting the second quarter.? Golden State began the period missing their first 14 shots as chicago pushed to a 45-31 lead.? The Warriors’ Davis converted a 3-point play after a goaltending call, then drained a 3 as the Warriors cut the lead in half, making it 51-44 with about 3 minutes to go in the first half.

With Chicago ahead 69-57 in the third quarter, Davis got his groove on, dishing the ball to Monta Ellis for a basket and then hitting 2 three-pointers.? Stephen Jackson hit a 3 and all of a sudden, Golden State was within 3.? Davis connected on his 4th trey of the game, giving the Warriors a brief 79-78 lead; his 5th trey tied the game at 84 going into the 4th quarter.? Golden State’s Matt Barnes scored the go-ahead basket, putting the Warriors up 106-104 with justy over 2 minutes to go.

The Bulls’ Joe Smith scored a basket to cut the Warriors’ lead to one before Golden State’s Jackson?dropped in 2 free throws with 1:20 left, making it 109-106.? After the Bulls’ Ben Gordon made 2 free throws, Jackson drained a trey which put Golden State up for good with 46 seconds left.? Golden State was led by the aforementioned Davis with 40 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while Jackson added 24 with 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocked shots.? Monta Ellis had a fine game as well, chipping in with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.

Chicago’s leading scorer was Ben Gordon with 29 points from off the bench, while Nocioni added 28 with 6 rebounds.? Luol Deng added 17 in a losing effort.? Golden State (24-17) will now travel up north to Milwaukee to face the Bucks Saturday night, while Chicago (15-23) continues their homestand by hosting the Detroit Pistons - also on Saturday.