NBA scores 2017: The Warriors absolutely trashed the Clippers in record-setting win

Sure, Chris Paul might be out a few weeks with a broken thumb. And sure, Blake Griffin may have only had one game back — against the Sixers for that matter — since returning from knee surgery.

But here’s the thing that teams should understand when it comes to the Golden State Warriors: They don’t care. They don’t care if your starters are tired, if your coach gets tossed out, if you’re starting a rookie, or if your momma’s calling.

You’re going to get this work.

And that’s what the Warriors expressed on Friday, when they annihilated the Los Angeles Clippers, 144-98, to pick up their 40th win of the season.

Golden State scored 117 points in just the first three quarters, more than any other team’s point total through three periods this season. For context, the Warriors are the only NBA team to average at least 117 points per game, and there are five teams that don’t manage to crack triple figures on a nightly basis.

Their 144-point outburst was powered by none other than two-time and reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry, who drilled triple after triple en route to 43 points on 15-of-23 shooting including nine threes, as well as nine rebounds and six assists — all in just three quarters.

Curry hit a ridiculous halfcourt shot to blast the Warriors into halftime.

He then celebrated with Draymond Green in a GIFable moment that we had a whole lot of fun with:

Is this an indictment of the Clippers? No.

CP3 is a game-changer, a maestro at the point guard, and the league’s master facilitator in halfcourt sets. Of course Los Angeles misses his presence both on and off the court. Griffin had only touched the court once since returning to action — he needs time to settle back in.

And the Clippers need to decide if they want to pursue a trade for Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony. They’re not a finished product yet. We get that.

But neither are the Warriors, and that’s the scary part. Golden State held Los Angeles to just 98 points, but they can be better defensively. And as this season draws out, they’re going to turn into that unstoppable Western Conference team poised to meet LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals for a third straight year.

With the game tied at 106 and the ball in Sacramento’s possession, there was only one player who going to get the ball: DeMarcus Cousins.

Boogie bullied his way to the paint for his 33rd point of the night and gave his Kings a two-point lead. Then Kemba Walker found Frank Kaminsky for a wide open three-pointer at the top of the key ... He airballed.

Sacramento went on to win 109-106, and the Kings are now tied with the Pelicans for 10th place in the Western Conference.

Giannis averages two entire blocks per game — rejecting a rookie’s transition layup should be a cake walk for the Greek Freak.

Not so.

Jaylen Brown stepped through, forcing Antetokounmpo to turn around and contort his body just enough for the rookie to get his shot up and over his defender’s long arms.

That’s impressive.

Curry was unconscious from downtown, drilling nine of his 15 three-point attempts and burying the Clippers in just three quarters.

Boogie bullied his way to the paint to get his Sacramento King’s a much needed win. If they keep it up, they might just creep into the eighth seed in the West, past New Orleans, Portland and Denver.

Thomas kept up his fourth-quarter scoring barrage, scoring eight points in the final period and helping his Celtics team drag Milwaukee into overtime, where they eventually won, 112-108.

It would be unlikely for the Timberwolves to sneak into the playoffs past the five teams standing ahead of them, but Towns is continually proving the future is bright for Minnesota.

Bledsoe may not have been considered an All-Star snub, but those who watch him often shouldn’t be surprised. He’s been playing at a high level all season long, and unrestricted free agency should be interesting for the Phoenix guard this summer.

Kings 109, Hornets 106 (Sactown Royalty recap | At the Hive recap)

Heat 116, Pistons 103 (Hot Hot Hoops recap | Detroit Bad Boys recap)

Celtics 112, Bucks 108 OT (Celtics Blog recap | Brew Hoop recap)

Warriors 144, Clippers 98 (Golden State of Mind recap | Clips Nation recap)

Timberwolves 129, Nets 109 (Canis Hoopus recap | Nets Daily recap)

Grizzlies 105, Jazz 95 (Grizzly Bear Blues recap | SLC Dunk recap)

Nuggets 123, Suns 112 (Denver Stiffs recap | Bright Side of the Sun recap)