Golden State Warriors Face LA Clippers in Another Christmas Matchup

The Golden State Warriors will take on the Los Angeles Clippers today for the second time this season and for the second consecutive year on Christmas Day.

Last season, the Clippers came to Oracle Arena on Christmas Day and faced the Warriors in a tough, physical matchup. The Warriors’ matchups with the Clippers are always extremely competitive, but the Christmas game last year was heated. Both Blake Griffin and Draymond Green got ejected, and there was lots of pushing, shoving, and trash talking throughout the game.

The game came down to the wire, and the Warriors were able to pull off a 105-103 win, thanks partially to superb defense by Klay Thompson on last-second shots by Chris Paul and Jamal Crawford.

After the game, former Warriors head coach Mark Jackson said this about the rivalry with the Clippers and the tough win:

"“We like them. Merry Christmas,” Jackson said jokingly. “It’s just physical basketball, so we don’t get caught up in that. … It’s good, old-fashioned basketball between two teams that are playing for something.”"

Fast forward to the 2014-15 season, and the Warriors currently lead 1-0 in their matchups with the Clippers.

The Warriors and Clippers first faced off in the fourth game of this season on November 5th. The season was young at this point, but the Warriors pulled off arguably their best win of the season to that point, as they beat the Clippers 121-104.

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The Warriors looked dominant throughout the entire game and even built up a 25-point lead in the second quarter.

Several Warriors stepped up in this blowout. Stephen Curry finished the game with 28 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. Green had a fantastic night, as he scored 24 points, collected eight rebounds, and dished out five assists. Thompson also had a solid game with 19 points and two blocks.

Andre Iguodala also chipped in nine points, Harrison Barnes put up 10 points and seven rebounds, and Leandro Barbosa scored 13 points off the bench.

After the game, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers had this to say about the Warriors’ dominant performance:

"“I saw a beautiful game from one team,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. “They are a better team right now and by a lot.”"

Also after the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said this about his first Warriors-Clippers regular season game:

"“It was very intense. Right from the beginning, our guys were ready,” said Kerr, the first coach in franchise history to start his career 4-0."

Heading into tonight’s matchup in Los Angeles, the Warriors boast the Pacific Division lead and an NBA-best 23-4 record. The Clippers currently have a 19-10 record. It’s still very early in the season, but the Warriors certainly look like the better team right now, as they have a five-game lead over the Clippers in the Pacific Division.

The Warriors’ 13-3 road record is incredibly impressive and is also the best in the NBA. The Clippers have a solid 11-3 home record.

For more on the Warriors’ rivalry with the Clippers and their history with Christmas Day games, check out this Warriors TV video:

The Warriors and Clippers tip off their Christmas Day game at 7:30 PM PT, so make sure you watch! You’ll be in for a treat.

Happy holidays from Golden Gate Sports and from the Warriors:

Next: Klay Thompson Doesn't Mind Sharing the Spotlight with Steph Curry