Warriors crush Spurs in one-sided battle for West supremacy

The titanic showdown between two of the best teams in the National Basketball Association this season turned out to be a dud, thanks to reigning MVP Stephen Curry, who erupted for 37 points.

NBA TV’s Golden State Warriors-San Antonio Spurs telecast last night set an all-time ratings record for the network, drawing 1.4 million viewers.

Golden State’s Curry had 15 points in the opening quarter and shot 12 for 20 as he recorded a personal best points total against San Antonio. The Warriors won in a route to go 41-4.

The Warriors got off to a fine start, taking a 62-47 halftime lead.

San Antonio is riding a 13-game winning streak coming into Oracle Arena, where the Warriors are determined to extend their 38-game regular-season home winning streak dating to late last January that includes a 20-0 mark this season. The Spurs had been allowing an average of about 89 points per game; by the start of the fourth quarter the Warriors had already scored 95. Single-digit scoring efforts have occasionally been common for Aldridge in blowout victories, but rarely have the San Antonio Spurs found themselves on the other side of a beating. If Duncan had played on Monday, the Spurs’ record against Golden State still would’ve fallen to 55-10, but maybe the score would’ve been a bit closer-perhaps 120-94.

The Warriors solidified their place as the scariest team in the National Basketball Association, notching their third win of at least 30 points in the past four games.

All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard scored 16 points for the sloppy Spurs, with Harrison Barnes and Andre Iguodala guarding him early.

Draymond Green was stellar for Golden State with 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists. The Spurs lacked the presence of Duncan, out because of soreness in his right knee.

“At this point, they are better than us”, Spurs veteran guard Manu Ginobili said.

Even coach Steve Kerr was in disbelief watching his current team thoroughly dismantle his old one on both ends – not to mention his mentor and good friend, Gregg Popovich. “We feel different going against a team that’s the best team in the league”. Golden State is 25-2 vs. the West and has won 35 in a row at home against Western Conference teams in the regular season….