Slam Dunk Central

?????????????????????????????????????

I think it is safe to say that after the Golden State Warriors got spanked at Sacramento on Tuesday, they learned their lesson and in the process, found a whipping boy; the whipping boy (boys?)?in question happened to be the Los Angeles Clippers as on Wednesday, Golden State shot 51.6% from the floor, while Stephen Jackson and Monta Ellis combined for 57 points - leading the Warriors to a laugher over the Clippers at Staples Center.

In a rare occurrence for Golden State, they led from tip-off to the final buzzer; they went 7-of-11? from 3-point range in the first quarter to build a 37-26 lead and increased their advantage to 64-46 at halftime.? The Clippers managed to get to within 92-81 on a free throw by Al Thornton that capped an 11-0 run with 9:36 left in the game, but Golden State went on a 20-8 run?that increased the Warriors’ edge to 112-89, effectively sealing the win.

Golden State was led by Stephen Jackson with 29 points - including 5treys, 2 rebounds and 4 assists, while Monta Ellis scored 28 with 3 rebounds and 6 assists; Mickael Pietrus added 15 with 12 rebounds and a blocked shot, while Baron Davis pitched in with 14 along with 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.? Los Angeles was led by Al Thornton with 24 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal, while Corey Maggette scored 21 with 4 rebounds, an assist and a steal; from off the bench; Tim Thomas added 20 with 5 rebounds, an assist, a steal and a blocked shot.? Golden State (42-25) now travels to Texas to take on the Houston Rockets Friday, while Los Angeles (21-46) flies north to Portland to face the Trail Blazers - also on Friday.