Instant Replay: Spurs bottle up Curry, hand Warriors 7th loss

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BOX SCORE

SAN ANTONIO – The different venue, different pace, different result.

In the most anticipated game of the stretch run of this season, the Warriors went in to San Antonio hoping to snap a 32-game losing streak here but too often found their offense stifled in an 87-79 loss to the Spurs at AT&T Center.

The 79 total points represents a season-low for the Warriors, who at 62-7 remain one game ahead of the pace set by 1995-96 Bulls, when they finished with 72-10, the best record in NBA history.

Four Warriors scored in double figures, led by Klay Thompson, who totaled 15 points. Steph Curry finished with 14, Draymond Green had 11 and Brandon Rush added 10.

The loss allowed the Spurs (59-10) to move within three games of the Warriors in the Western Conference playoffs race. San Antonio has won 44 in a row at home, and is 35-0 this season.

The Warriors shot only 37.8 percent (31 of 82) from the field, including 25 percent (9 of 36) beyond the arc. Moreover, they were outrebounded 53-37, as the Spurs used their superior size to positive advantage.

The Spurs controlled the pace and avenged a 120-90 loss on Jan. 25 at Oracle Arena.

STANDOUT PERFORMER:
Green, who started at center for the ailing Andrew Bogut, earns the nod for being a productive live wire from the start, defending multiple positions, running the offense and dropping in a few jumpers.

Green’s line: 11 points (5-of-10 shooting, 1-of-5 from deep), nine rebounds and eight assists in 39 minutes. He finished minus-1 for the night, best among the Warriors starters.

Shaun Livingston and Leandro Barbosa were strong off the bench, combining for 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. Livingston finished plus-7, and Barbosa was plus-8.

TURNING POINT:
This one was in doubt until the final minutes, with the Warriors within one (78-77, 4:01 remaining) before the Spurs closed it out with a 9-2 run over the final 3:37.

The Warriors scored only one field goal in the final four minutes, going 1-of-8 and committing a turnover.

INJURY UPDATE:
Warriors: C Andrew Bogut (L big toe strain) was listed as doubtful and declared out prior to tipoff. F Andre Iguodala (L ankle sprain), C Festus Ezeli (L knee surgery) and F Kevon Looney (R hip inflammation) are not with the team.

Spurs: No injuries listed.

WHAT’S NEXT:
The Warriors return to action Monday night, when the face the Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. (PDT)

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