Clippers defeat Warriors after Steph Curry exits with injury

For the third game in a row, the Clippers fought a too-close battle that tested their composure.

They've managed to withstand similar challenges in their last two games, and on Sunday night the Clippers earned a 112-104 victory over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.

The Clippers lost to the Phoenix Suns by three points in overtime at the Intuit Dome on Wednesday. But they bounced back to win by five points in Denver on Saturday night before beating the Warriors.

“I think we had the right intention,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “No matter who's playing, when we get the win, you see everyone on the bench cheering each other on, and that's what it's all about.”…If you have the right intention and your heart is in the right place, you'll do well Play basketball …

“But to win two of the three close games against three very good teams, I think that meant a lot. It meant a lot about our character and how we want to play and compete every night.”

Of the four Clippers players who scored in double figures, center Ivica Zubac was the most dominant.

Zubac continued his strong play early in the season, recording his second straight double-double with 23 points and 17 rebounds along with six assists. He has scored at least 20 points in the first three games, becoming the second center in franchise history to achieve this feat. Bob McAdoo did it three times while playing for the Buffalo Braves – 1974, 1975 and 1976.

Zubac became the first Clippers player since DeAndre Jordan in 2015 to record at least 20 points and 15 rebounds in consecutive games.

“It’s only been three games, but I’m trying to ensure consistency,” said Zubac, who played a game-best 37 minutes and 31 seconds. “I'm trying to last as long as possible. I try to bring my teammates the same things every night so they can rely on me. You can rely on me on both defense and offense, relying on me to rebound, protect the rim, score in the post and finish around the rim. So I try my best to achieve that intensity.”

James Harden is the leader of the group, an orchestrator who makes things easier for his teammates. He didn't shoot particularly well, shooting six of 19 from the field, but had 23 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) defends against Clippers guard James Harden during the first half on Sunday. Curry left in the fourth quarter with a sprained left ankle.

(Nic Coury/Associated Press)

Few would have expected the Clippers to find themselves in this position, winning close games while their best player, Kawhi Leonard, remains sidelined with inflammation in his right knee.

“We’re focused on what we have going on in this locker room, our organization,” Harden said. “It's not our job to worry about other people and try to surprise other people. Our job is to go out and play hard for each other, play well and try to win games for each other.”

Norman Powell did his best work in the second half, scoring 18 of his 20 points.

Powell's big moment came late in the fourth quarter, when the Clippers' 13-point fourth-quarter lead dwindled despite Warriors guard Stephen Curry not playing because of a sprained left ankle.

With the Clippers leading by three points, Powell blocked a three-point shot from Buddy Hield. Then Powell stormed down the field, received a pass from Zubac and hit the ball from the corner with the jump ball.

There was also the play of Derrick Jones Jr., who gave the Clippers some offense along with his excellent defense.

Jones scored 18 points on seven-for-10 shooting, including three-for-four on three-pointers.

“I feel like I haven't been comfortable on offense the last few years,” Jones said. “I always had confidence in my game, but I just never felt comfortable and never had a rhythm out there. But last year in Dallas opened up a lot for me shooting-wise. This year I’m just doubling my speed, putting the ball on the floor whenever I need to and getting to the rim as much as I can.”