If the Warriors were going to pick up their 43rd win of the season, the Sixers were going to make them work for it.
The Warriors seemed to have the game put away on Saturday, going up 91-72 after three quarters. The Sixers, however, jumped at the opportunity with the Warriors' starters on the bench to start the fourth. They cut the lead to 12, which prompted Steve Kerr to go back to his starters to close out the game.
The Sixers then went on a 9-0 run to get within four, 103-99. With 38 seconds left, Isaiah Canaan made a three and drew the foul on Stephen Curry to connect on a four-point play and cut the deficit to two. Ish Smith tied it with a steal and a slam.
But, Harrison Barnes thwarted the comeback by hitting a corner three with only 0.2 seconds left. Hollis Thompson missed the game-tying attempt and the Sixers' upset bid fell short in a 108-105 loss to the Warriors at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Warriors improved to 43-4, while the Sixers dropped to 7-41.
Turning point
After squandering a 24-point lead, the Warriors ran the clock down until there was hardly a chance for the Sixers to get off another shot. Barnes hit a three with 0.2 seconds left that gave Golden State the win.
Curry check
Curry had a quiet night … by Curry standards. He scored 23 points (9-for-19 shooting from the field, 5 for 11 from three) to go with six assists and five rebounds in 34 minutes. He entered the game averaging over 29 points.
Inside the box score
For the Sixers, Robert Covington recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Isaiah Canaan led the team with 18 points off the bench. Ish Smith dished a game-high nine assists along with 16 points and five rebounds. Jahlil Okafor scored 13 points and had one rebound in a reserve role.
Klay Thompson led all players with 32 points (14 for 26 from the field, 4 for 10 from three) along with two rebounds and three assists. Draymond Green neared another triple-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists. Andrew Bogut pulled down a game-high 16 boards with eight points and four assists.
Nothing comes free
The Warriors attempted just two free throws the entire game (Green 0 for 1, Ian Clark 1 for 1).
Up next
The Sixers will get a three-day break without a game before hosting the Hawks Wednesday night.