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 Golden State (45-4) obliterated Washington early with Curry
providing the firepower, including 36 points in the first half on
13-of-14 shot attempts with eight from beyond the arc.
The Warriors led by 17 points in the first quarter and 74-60 at
halftime. After the Wizards closed to 81-79 midway through the third
quarter, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player helped fend off
Washington with a pair of three-pointers.
Fellow All-Star guard John Wall played like one, leading the Wizards
(21-26) with a season-high 41 points and 10 assists but Washington
has now lost two straight and seven-of-nine.
Curry finished 19-of-28 from the field, including 11-of-16 on
three-pointers for his fourth career game with at least 50 points.
His 51 points tied the Verizon Center record for most individual
points, matching Michael Jordan and Gilbert Arenas.
His 11 three-pointers is the most in the NBA this season.
Forward Draymond Green had 12 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds,
setting a Warriors single-season record with his 10th triple-double.
Guard Klay Thompson had 24 points.
Wall inspired a fast-break heavy comeback as Washington opened the
second half with a 19-7 run but the point guard sat out the final
6:18 of the period after picking up his fourth foul.
Golden State took advantage and entered the fourth quarter leading
103-92.
With Washington still in rally range, Curry nailed his 11th and
final three-pointer for a 120-109 lead with 4:22 left. Golden State
made 20-of-42 from distance.
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Curry made his first six shots, including five three-pointers inside
the opening seven minutes before the raucous and sellout crowd.
He finished the opening period with seven three's as the Warriors
led 43-28 after the first quarter.
Washington shot 50.5 percent from the field and played better than
in several recent lackluster performances, but could not keep up
with the defending league champions.
Guard Bradley Beal had 18 points.
Curry grabbed seven rebounds as Golden State out-rebounded
Washington 49-38.
The Warriors won their previous seven games by an average of 21.6
points.
The teams close the season series at Golden State on March 29.
(Editing by John O'Brien)
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