The Warriors started strong and never looked back in Thursday’s 125-101 win in Denver.
While playing in Denver on the back end of a back-to-back has been a scheduled loss in the past – the Dubs have lost each of their last seven tries heading into Thursday – the Warriors took a large step in bucking that trend early with a 17-2 run in the opening period that gave them a lead they would never come close to relinquishing.
Six players scored during that game-changing run, including JaVale McGee. With starting center Zaza Pachulia picking up two fouls in the opening period, McGee came off the bench for his earliest playing time of the season and took advantage of the opportunity with 10 points – on 4-for-6 shooting – and two blocks in 14 minutes.
Kevin Durant finished with 18 points, ending his streak of scoring at least 20 points at 72 games.
