The Golden State Warriors fell out of the top seed in the Western Conference for the first time all season last week after losing three games in a row, but have since won five straight games to regain that spot and open up a 2.5 game lead over the San Antonio Spurs. In this week's Warriors Weekly update, we recap what's happened this week, take a peak at the coming games before the playoffs and give you an update on Kevin Durant's injury.
This Week:
The Warriors opened the week with a commanding 122-92 win over the Orlando Magic last Thursday, using 21 first-quarter points from Klay Thompson to build a double-digit lead in the opening 12 minutes that only got bigger. Thompson finished with a game-high 29 points.
Their string of blowouts continued on Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Golden State went on a 23-6 run and outscored the Bucks 36-15 in the second quarter, allowing them to cruise to a 117-92 win. The double-digit wins continued on Monday in a chippy game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Thompson again led the way with 34 points in the 111-95 win, but it was this fight involving Russell Westbrook and Stephen Curry is what stole the headlines.
Let's check in on the #Warriors and #OKCThunder ... and they're fighting. #DubNation #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/8PPxRANx3D
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) March 21, 2017
For their fourth double-digit win in a row - and third of the week by at least 25 points - the Warriors went on the road and beat the Dallas Mavericks, 112-87. It was Golden State's 28th road win of the season, becoming the first team ever to win at least 28 road games in three consecutive seasons.
What's Up Next:
Golden State returns home on Friday to face the Sacramento Kings before hosting the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. Then, the Warriors head on a two-game Texas road trip to play two nationally televised games back-to-back. On Tuesday, the Warriors will face the Houston Rockets on NBATV before facing the Spurs on Wednesday on ESPN.
Kevin Durant Injury Update
Durant is expected to return from a sprained MCL before the end of the regular season, according to ESPN's Marc Stein and Chris Haynes.
The Golden State Warriors aren't scheduled to formally update the status of Kevin Durant's left knee until next week, but there is cautious optimism within the organization that Durant -- should he maintain his current recovery arc -- will indeed be able to return to the court before the end of the regular season, according to league sources.
While noting that Durant is roughly at the halfway stage of his recovery journey, sources told ESPN.com that the Warriors are encouraged by the progress Durant has made in the 22 days since he suffered a sprained MCL and tibial bone bruise in his left knee on Feb. 28.
Kevin Durant just did a two-handed vertical dunk before exiting the practice court. Prior, he did some spot shooting. He looks good.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 23, 2017
The Warriors are expected to provide an official update on Durant's status late next week after they increase his rehab work.
Durant suffered the injury on Feb. 28 in a game against the Washington Wizards, and was expected to miss four weeks before being re-evaluated. He is averaging a team-leading 25.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game
Other Injuries
Forward Andre Iguodala is listed as day-to-day with a strained left hip. He is expected to play Friday against the Kings after missing Tuesday's win over the Mavs.
What They're Saying About The Warriors:
Matt Barnes getting acclimated to Warriors (SFGate.com)
Warriors eye win against Kings in playoff home-court quest (ESPN)
Kevin Durant makes strides at Warriors practice: 'It's a good sign' (CSN Bay Area)