Jimmy Butler scored 32 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Stephen Curry added 27 points and seven assists as the Golden State Warriors defeated the New York Knicks 126-113 at Chase Center on Thursday. Moses Moody contributed 21 points with seven 3-pointers, and Brandin Podziemski added 19 for the Warriors.
Curry missed his first four 3-point attempts but connected from deep late in the third quarter, marking only the third time this season he did not make a three in the first half. Moody shot 7-of-9 from beyond the arc, producing his sixth 20-point game of the season.
The Knicks were without Jalen Brunson due to a sprained right ankle suffered Wednesday in Sacramento. Miles McBride and OG Anunoby each scored 25 points, and Mikal Bridges added 21, but New York lost for the seventh time in nine games.
Karl-Anthony Towns posted 17 points and a season-best 20 rebounds for the Knicks. Despite his effort, New York struggled to contain Golden State’s shooting, as the Warriors made 54% of their shots and 44% from three.
Draymond Green was issued a Flagrant 1 foul for tripping Towns, while Warriors reserve Gui Santos sprained his left ankle in the first quarter and did not return. Golden State had three scorers with 20 or more points for the eighth time this season.
The win improves Golden State to 22-19, climbing closer to the playoff race, while New York falls to 25-15 in the East. Both teams meet again on Saturday, with the Warriors hosting the Charlotte Hornets and the Knicks facing the Phoenix Suns.
