The Los Angeles Clippers edged the Golden State Warriors 104–101 at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu on Oct. 4. Rui Hachimura scored 21 points to lead Los Angeles in the preseason opener. Golden State cut into a halftime deficit but finished three points short.
The numbers behind the result
The Clippers led 55–43 at halftime after outscoring the Warriors 32–19 in the second quarter. Darius Garland added 15 points and six assists. Keaton Wagler also scored 15, making eight of his nine free throws.
Charles Bassey led Golden State with 12 points, while Stephen Curry contributed 10. The Warriors made six of 33 three-point attempts, compared with 11 of 36 for the Clippers. Golden State improved its position with a 30-point third quarter but could not complete the comeback.
CSB Take
Los Angeles can build on Hachimura’s efficient scoring and Garland’s passing while reviewing how the lead narrowed. Golden State’s poor three-point shooting is an obvious part of the result, but one exhibition does not establish a lasting trend. Both teams received competitive late-game minutes that should help the next round of lineup decisions.
