Streaking Warriors down Bulls
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) controls the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Chicago on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014. The Warriors won 112-102. AP
CHICAGO–Draymond Green’s career-high 31 points helped the Golden State Warriors stretch their NBA winning streak to a club record 12 games Saturday with a 112-102 victory over Chicago.
Green made seven three-pointers and provided seven rebounds, four steals and three blocks for the Warriors, who improved their league-leading record to 17-2.
The Warriors, under the guidance of first-year coach Steve Kerr, have now bettered their previous franchise record winning streak of 11 games, set from December 1971-January 1972.
Kerr received a warm welcome in Chicago, where he won three of his five NBA championships as a player with the Bulls.
Green’s efforts helped make up for the continuing struggles of Golden State star Stephen Curry, who notched seven assists but connected on just five of 14 shots from the field in an 18-point effort.
Klay Thompson added 24 points — including a three-pointer that ignited a 14-3 fourth-quarter scoring run — for Golden State, whose last defeat came against San Antonio on November 11.
Jimmy Butler led Chicago with 24 points while Spain’s Pau Gasol added 22 points and 22 rebounds for the Bulls, who fell to 2-5 at home this season.
In a game that saw 15 lead changes, the Bulls trailed at halftime but surged in the third quarter, connecting on five of six attempts from three-point range and taking an 80-79 lead on a hook from Gasol.
But the Warriors turned things around with timely blocks and steals in the fourth.
Marreese Speights’ 11 points included Golden State’s first six of the final period, which gave them the lead for good.
Golden State parlayed 23 Bulls turnovers into 27 points, Green grabbing two steals in the final quarter.
“Getting those turnovers and getting out on the break, that does a lot for us,” Green said. “When we can get out on the break we’re so dynamic in the open court.”
