With Curry out, Thompson gives Warriors a spark
HOUSTON » Klay Thompson scored 38 points, and the Golden State Warriors overcame star Stephen Curry’s absence to beat the Houston Rockets 114-110 on Thursday.
Golden State was blown out by Dallas on Wednesday night for just its second loss of the season when Curry missed his first game since March because of a sore left lower leg. But the Warriors were able to outlast the Rockets thanks to the big night by Thompson, who made six 3-pointers.
James Harden had 30 points for Houston, which has dropped seven straight regular-season games to Golden State. Dwight Howard had 21 points, 13 rebounds and three blocked shots.
Shaun Livingston made his second start of the season in place of Curry, who was injured Monday night against Sacramento. Interim coach Luke Walton said Curry was feeling better Thursday, but was not ready to play.
Draymond Green had 10 points and a career-high 16 assists for the Warriors. BUCKS 120, PACERS 116 » Khris Middleton scored 33 points, and the Bucks stopped a three-game losing streak.
Greg Monroe added 23 points for Milwaukee, which shot 58 percent (45 for 77) from the field. Jabari Parker, Giannis Antetokounmpo and reserve Jerryd Bayless had 14 points apiece.
Indiana’s 20 turnovers led to 35 points for the Bucks.
Paul George led the Pacers with 31 points. George Hill added 15 points and six rebounds. PISTONS 115, TIMBERWOLVES 90 » Andre Drummond had 23 points and 18 rebounds and Reggie Jackson added 19 points and nine assists, leading Detroit to the win.
Drummond came out with just over three minutes to play, narrowly missing his sixth 20-20 game of the season. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 22 points for the Pistons, who had lost three in a row.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Andrew Wiggins had 21 points. Minnesota was coming off a 94-80 victory over Utah on Wednesday night.
Detroit had a 78-70 lead after three, and Anthony Tolliver made two 3-pointers to help increase the advantage to 87-72 with 10:30 left.