Warriors blow out Jazz behind Monta's 33

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OAKANDThe Warriors played a solid second half on Thursday night, turning a close game into a lopsided win over the Jazz. The game was the final one of a six-game homestand for the Warriors, and with the win they finish it at 3-3.Warriors 119, Jazz 101Star of the game: After shooting 12-for-43 from the field in his previous three games, Monta Ellis broke out and broke out in a big way against Utah. Ellis had 33 points but that was only part of the story.
Part 2 of the story was how efficient he wasalong with Stephen Curry. Ellis went 13-for-21 from the floor, including 3-for-7 from beyond the arc.You cant expect that night in and night out, Jackson said of Curry and Ellis play. We really, in the second half, separated ourselves offensively. We executed, we took care of the basketball, we limited their second-chance opportunities and we defended. A thing of beautyunselfish basketball.Key stretch: The Warriors used a 13-2 run to finish the third period, giving them separation from a close game. Ellis closed the period in spectacular fashion, converting on a beautiful alley-oop layup from Curry and then knocking down a long 3-pointer with two seconds remaining in the period.That stretch took the Warriors from a 75-75 tie to an 88-77 lead. In the quarter, the Warriors outscored the Jazz 40-31.In the third quarter, we gave up 40 points, Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said. We got away from executing our offense and that was one of the things that we were concerned about right from the beginning. You get into an uptempo game with them at a fast pace and take early shots, theyre really dynamic at taking advantage of your turnovers.Curry impressive: Curry had one of his best games of the season, perhaps his best as a matter of fact. He finished with 29 points and 12 assists and was every bit as efficient as Ellis.Curry went 10-for-14 from the field and 7-for-8 from the line.First-half struggles: There were some good numbers halfway through the game as far as the Warriors were concerned, but one troubling one.The Warriors committed only five turnovers in the first half and outrebounded the Jazz 27-21. Problem was, the Warriors shot only 38 percent during the first 24 minutes, with David Lee struggling more than everyone else.Lee shot just 2-for-12 from the field in the first half and Nate Robinson was 0-for-5.Banged-up backcourt: The Jazz were without three important backcourt contributors on Thursay night. Neither Raja Bell (strained abductor) nor Earl Watson (sprained ankle) made the trip to Oakland, and Devin Harris was a late scratch because of a hamstring injury.Before the game, Jackson was asked whether Utah being shorthanded in the backcourt would impact his strategy.You dont attack them differently, Jackson said. They are a very good team, a well-coached basketball team with veterans and proven guys. Ive seen in the past as a player, announcer and as a fan where somebody goes out and somebody steps up and plays great basketball.We dont want that to happen. In a situation like with WatsonJamaal Tinsley is a proven guy and more than capable of going out and doing whats asked of him. We dont blow that up and make a point to do anything out of the ordinary. If we take care of our business, it will not matter who is in uniform.

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