Warriors lose steam, bow to Pacers

Klay Thompson and the rest of Golden State’s injured All-Stars are eagerly awaiting their chance to get back on the court. For now, they appreciate how hard the backups are playing to try to keep things going — even on nights when overmatched.

The banged-up Warriors again lacked the firepower to finish off an opponent, and Victor Oladipo scored 24 points in the Indiana Pacers’ 92-81 victory over the defending champions Tuesday night.

Nick Young scored 12 points as Golden State, playing without its four All-Stars for a second straight game, lost back-to-back contests for only the ninth time during coach Steve Kerr’s four seasons.

“It’s a 48-minute game and we just stayed with it and found a way to get this game,” said Pacers coach Nate McMillan, whose team held the Warriors to 11 points in the fourth quarter.

Draymond Green had been set to return for Golden State but was still feeling ill, while NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant had hoped to play Tuesday but is likely to be back from a rib injury Thursday against Milwaukee.

Stephen Curry could be out through the first round of the playoffs with a left knee injury, while Splash Brother Thompson is recovering from a fractured right thumb.

“I’ll be back soon. One or two more games,” Thompson said. “Their defense was great tonight, just their effort. They play with great effort, and that’s all we ask for.” Rookie Jordan Bell sprained his right ankle in the third, had it re-taped and returned.

Thaddeus Young and Bojan Bogdanovic scored 17 points apiece for playoff-bound Indiana, which won its third straight and fourth in five.

“We finally got our legs under us, finally started making shots, getting stops,” Oladipo said. “That was effective for us. I thought we picked it up defensively, that was huge for us. Just got to build on it.” Pacers reserve forward Trevor Booker headed to the locker room with 33.5 seconds remaining in the opening quarter with a sprained right ankle and didn’t return.