The defending NBA champions, Golden State Warriors, haven't played their best basketball so far this season. They've already suffered two losses in their first five games, and on Friday night (October 27) they hosted the Washington Wizards. It was a sellout Oracle Arena in Oakland once again, with more than 19,000 hyped and energetic Warriors fans in the stands. The Wizards entered Friday's matchup with a 3-1 record but they were shorthanded in this one, playing without Markieff Morris. Prior to this matchup, Golden State had won three straight games at home against Washington.
Huge fourth quarter lifts the Warriors past the Wizards
Washington played a great game from the opening tip in this one. They opened up the game with a 34-point first quarter, outscoring Golden State 34-27 in the period. They went on to score 33 points in the second quarter, and the Wizards held a convincing, 67-53 lead at halftime. The away team led by as much as 18 points in the third quarter (80-62) and heading into the fourth quarter, their lead was 97-87. But it was in the fourth quarter of this game that the Warriors made their comeback. They outscored the Wizards 33-20 in the final 12 minutes of the game and ended up with a narrow, 120-117 victory.
Kevin Durant led the home team with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
Stephen Curry added 20 points and eight assists, while Klay Thompson finished with 18 points and three assists for the Warriors.
For Washington, it was Otto Porter with 29 points who led them in scoring. Porter also added 10 rebounds. John Wall finished with 20 points and 14 assists for the Wizards.
Toronto wins in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center on Friday. The Lakers started off good, outscoring the Raptors 26-19 in the first quarter. Midway through the second period, Los Angeles held a 44-28 lead and it looked like they are on their way for another big win. The score was 51-45 for the home team at halftime.
But in the third quarter, the Raptors took control of this game. They outscored the Lakers 27-20 in the third period and held a 72-71 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Toronto closed out the game routinely with a 29-point fourth quarter and celebrated a solid, 101-92 road victory.
DeMar DeRozan led the Raptors in scoring with 24 points in 37 minutes of playing time. DeRozan also added five rebounds and five assists. Pascal Siakam contributed with 18 points and five rebounds, while Serge Ibaka added 18 points and eight rebounds for Toronto.
Julius Randle was the leading scorer for the Lakers with 18 points in 24 minutes of action. Kyle Kuzma added 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Brook Lopez finished with 13 points and five rebounds for the home team.
