NBA Game Summary - LA Clippers at Golden State

Oakland, CA (Basketball News) - Derek Fisher poured in 21 points and dished off nine assists to lead a short-handed Golden State team over the LA Clippers, 88-81, at The Arena in Oakland.

Jason Richardson added 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Warriors, who won for the second time in their past three games and stopped a seven game skid against the Clippers. Mickael Pietrus pitched in with 16 points while Adonal Foyle had eight points and 11 boards in the win.

"We owed them something." Pietrus said. "They beat us three times this season. We came out aggressive from the very start and it was a great win."

Elton Brand recorded a double-double with 15 points and 15 boards for the Clippers, who lost their third straight and for the fourth time in their past five contests. Sam Cassell tallied 16 points and seven boards while Vladimir Radmanovic had 14 points and eight rebounds in his debut with Los Angeles.

"You could say it was fatigue," said Clippers guard Cuttino Mobley after the loss. "We got out hustled the last three games, out rebounded and I guess its energy. We didn’t compete as a team. I hope this loss is a wake up call. I hope we do something during this little break to take care of our bodies because I know I am. I’m dead tired. The last three losses have been frustrating. Any loss is frustrating."

The Warriors played well without two of their top stars. Guard Baron Davis and forward Troy Murphy both missed the contest with ankle injuries.

The Warriors raced out to a 29-19 lead after the first 12 minutes and extended their advantage to 12, 52-40, by the half.

Golden State continued to dominate things in the third quarter. Fisher’s lay- in with a little over five minutes to go in the frame gave the Warriors their first 20-point advantage, 66-46.

A minute later, Richardson’s three-point play ignited the home crowd and gave Golden State their largest lead, 70-46. The athletic forward drove to the middle of the floor and deposited a driving layup while drawing contact.

Los Angeles showed its mettle, however, and finished the quarter with a 10-2 spurt. A long Mobley jumper from the corner highlighted the burst which drew the Clippers to within 16, 72-56, heading into the final frame.

The Warriors continued to hold the Clippers at arm’s length. An Ike Diogu bucket with seven minutes left put Golden State on top, 79-62.

Los Angeles had one last run in them and scored eight of the next 10 points in the game. Radmanovic’s jump shot made the score 81-70 with 2:46 remaining but there was just not enough time for the Clippers to come all the way back.

The Warriors fended off the Clippers in the final minutes to secure the win.