SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Will Ferrell emailed Steve Kerr a while back, and the Warriors coach couldn't believe it was actually the actor's writing.
A few exchanges later, with Ferrell having a hot night with Golden State, the Warriors need a little fun and lightness to forget their recent funk.
Klay Thompson scored 20 points after the comedy star surprised him and teammates before the game, and Golden State broke a five-game skid as they beat the Los Angeles Clippers 112-97 on Tuesday.
"It was fun, and I'm glad we took advantage of it," Stephen Curry said. "... I think we're fed up with energy. I was really surprised, his form, he had some really good rotation on the ball, and endless energy. I don't know how."
Ferrell went through shooting, passing and dribbling, sporting a vintage-style headband and wearing his Jackie Moon jersey from the 2008 hoops movie "Semi-Pro." It was a moment that stood out especially for Thompson—who had dressed up as Moon for Halloween three years earlier—and loved the film.
"We exchanged a few emails and then made plans," Kerr said. "He's a big fan of Klay Thompson and he knows how much Klay loves to dress up as Jackie Moon, so it kind of naturally fit in and felt like a good time to do that. Everyone's got to laugh in the tough stretches of the weather.
"He was great. He came into our locker room, made people laugh. Everyone loved seeing and hearing from him. He was hilarious."
Jordan Poole also scored 20 points off the bench, while Andrew Wiggins had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Warriors, who took the defensive intensity and energy to win just the second time in their last nine games to complete the road-home back. To support.
"We were off defensively tonight," Poole said.
Nicolas Bottom scored 17 points to lead the Cold-shooting Clippers in their second consecutive loss after a five-game winning streak. Los Angeles scored 35.5%, with Reggie Jackson scoring 2 of 14, Terrence Mann taking 2 for 9 and Ivica Zubaik losing all six of her shots.
Golden State rested several routines for Monday's make-up game in Denver, with Curry, Thompson and Wiggins all seated — and made a late return to the Bay Area at 1:45 a.m., this time losing the big lead after the Warriors made it through. Put together was each of their last two home games against Denver and Dallas.
Curry contributed 15 points, five assists and five rebounds, making just 1 of 6 3s, and Splash Brother Thompson started 2 for 9 and made his initial four 3-point attempts before connecting from deep in second. Remembered that.
Warriors rookie Jonathan Kuminga had 21 points, six rebounds, and six of Golden State's 33 assists.
Fellow rookie Moses Moody made his eighth debut after scoring a career-best 30 points in a make-up game in Denver on Monday.
The teams scored 15 for 50 in the first quarter and were tied at 21.
Tip-ins
Clippers: LA has had the last three losses at the Warriors' home turf since their 108-101 victory on January 6, 2021. ... Los Angeles were bowled out for 12 for 45 in the first half, including 4 for 20 at 3. 54-36 on the break.
Warriors: Curry became the Warriors' all-time stealth leader with 1,361. ... F Otto Porter Jr. was ill for the second game in a row, while G. Gary Peyton II finished third straight due to a pain in his left knee. According to Kerr, an MRI exam on the knee was clear. ...Golden State have won 17 of 21 at home vs. The Clippers.
Get close to green
Warriors defensive leader Drummond Green is expected to return from a disc injury in his back on March 14 against the Wizards that left him with an injured calf. He missed out on playing the 28th game in a row.
"The amount of games we can get is definitely huge," Curry said of bringing Green back before the playoffs.
Progress of the wise
Golden State offered encouraging news on second-year center James Wiseman, who has made so much progress in his rehab from right knee surgery that he is set to play for the G League Warriors in two games this week: Stockton on Thursday. In and G League Vs. Ignite Sunday at the Chase Center.
Women empowerment
All fans received were limited-edition purple shoelaces featuring phrases related to Women's Empowerment Month.
Next
The Clippers: Host Washington to complete a road-home back-to-back Wednesday, riding a 13-game home win streak against the Wizards.
Warriors: Return to Denver to face the Nuggets again on Thursday night, the second game in four days at a height as Golden State lost their last two at the Mile High City. PR director Raymond Ridder announced on Twitter that the family that had expected to see Curry play on Monday would be gifted tickets for Thursday by the Warriors.