Celebration topped the charts back in 1980, the last time the Warriors had won 20 games before January 1.
ORACLE ARENA — The year Kool & the Gang took Celebration to top of the charts was back in 1980. It was also the last time the Warriors last won 20 games before the month of January.
The Warriors continued their hot run Friday night with another impressive win in front of another sold-out crowd. Golden State nearly blew a 20-point lead, but managed to hold off the 76ers, 96-89.
David Lee led the way with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Off the bench, Jarrett Jack had 16 and Carl Landry added 15 for the Warriors fifth win in seven games.
Lee said after the game:
Post-Game Audio: Warriors Forward David Lee
“We’re really proud. … We’re trying to make our own history here and the biggest thing is our team is doing this together and we’re continuing to get better and better. I don’t think our best ball has even been played yet and we’re just excited for the challenge.”
In defeat, the Sixers had 21 and 10 assists from young Jrue Holiday, one of the rising stars in the NBA.
Golden State has been solid all season, even better away from home where the Warriors are tied with San Antonio for most road victories with 11.
The Warriors were tied 30-30 early in the second quarter and went on a 27-12 run to build up that advantage to 15 at the half.
The Sixers would fight back and cut it to six points early in the fourth quarter. A 3-pointer by Royal Ivey at 6:20 made it a four-point game.
David Lee made four straight baskets including a driving bank shot to push the lead back up to ten points with 3:58.
Carl Landry’s alley oop dunk made it a 12-point cushion with 2:52 remaining.
Jarrett Jack tried to drive the lane but the ball was stolen, then Nick Young tried to score on a breakaway but was fouled by Klay Thompson. Young made one of two free throws and the Sixers trailed by six points with 48 seconds to go.
Post-Game Audio: Warriors Guard Stephen Curry
After a timeout and on an inbounds play, Thaddeus Young dunked to get the deficit within four points. Jack was fouled with 20.9 seconds to play and he only made one foul shot.
Jrue Holiday inbounded the ball and his pass attempt just past the timeline was stolen by Charles Jenkins who was then fouled by Wright. Jenkins’ two shots from the charity stripe sealed the victory, improving the W’s record to 20-10.
Jack said after the game:
Post-Game Audio: Warriors Guard Jarrett Jack
“We try not look at mirroring ourselves to other teams in the past or whatever the case may be. We just focus on what we’ve done here so far. And for most of us, none of us have ever been ten games over .500 especially not at this point of the season. It’s just a blessing and we’re super thankful.”
For the second weekend in a row, Golden State plays back-to-back home games. Saturday night, the Warriors host the Boston Celtics.
Post-Game Audio: Warriors Head Coach Mark Jackson
It’s just the ninth time since the Warriors moved west in 1962 that the team has 20 wins before January 1st. … The Warriors bench outscored the 76ers, 36-20. Landry and Jack scored 31 of those 36 points. … Golden State held Philadelphia to .402 shooting from the field. They are 15-3 when opponents shoot under .450.
