OAKLAND -- The highly anticipated rematch between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers turned out to be a sleeper at the host Warriors scored a lopsided 126-91 rout on Monday night at the Oracle Arena.
It was a huge statement game for the Warriors, who avenged a December 25 stunner where the Cavs came back from 14 points down in the fourth quarter at the Quicken Loans arena.
Golden State attacked aggressively in the first two quarters, building a 29-point advantage at the half. The Warriors played unselfishly, assisting 26 of their 30 made baskets and shooting just under 63 percent from the field.
Draymond Green was assessed with a flagrant foul midway in the second quarter on a wild collision with James in the mid-court which fueled the proud Dubs fans on their feet.
Cleveland started sluggish to begin the contest. They were attacking more on isolation plays, assisting only four times of the 15 made baskets andshooting just 34 percent by halftime.
Cleveland rallied in the third quarter but fell short. LeBron James led the Cavaliers with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Kyrie Erving added 17 points in 6 of 19 shooting. Kevin Love was almost invisible scoring only 3 points in 16 minutes of play and did not return to the game due to a lower back pain.
The game was won in the first 24 minutes. The Warriors took the lead early and never looked back.
Kevin Durant scored 21 points and 3 blocks including one on LeBron James. Klay Thompson paced the Warriors with 26 ponits and Curry chipped in 20, along with 11 assists.
Kevin Durant and the Warriors will prepare for Russell Westbrook, who is arguably playing the best basketball of his career, averaging triple double half way through the season this coming Wednesday before embarking to a four game road trip.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are flying back home after 3 and 3 road trip record to face the Suns on Thursday... (RPM)
Photo: Steph Curry poured 20 points in the Warriors' rout of the Cavs.
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