Warriors prevail in thriller
The Golden State Warriors had to survive a video review after the final buzzer on Thursday but prevailed 106-105 in a thriller against the Denver Nuggets in Oakland.
Denver forward Andre Iguodala's three-point shot at the end hit nothing but net, but upon review the ball failed to leave his hand before the buzzer and the basket was waved off, leaving the Warriors with the win.
The Warriors improved to 9-6 on the year, moving back into a tie for the Pacific division lead, thanks mainly to David Lee's game high 31 points and nine rebounds.
Klay Thompson added 21 points and Stephen Curry 20 in a see-sawing contest where the Warriors led by as many as 12 but also trailed by 16 at one point.
"It was an unbelievable victory and everyone played their part," Lee told reporters. "We had an up and down game, it usually is between these two teams, we were double overtime last time in this building and now we have a similar game tonight so I'm just happy we came through.
Igoudala had three free throws with three seconds left and made the first two before failing on the third but the Nuggets made the rebound.
A first attempt to gain victory failed and the ball ricocheted out of bounds, but a video review saw Denver controversially retain possession.
The final inbounds pass went to Igoudala and he flushed the long shot only to have it chalked off, dropping Denver to 8-8.
Stern riled
NBA Commissioner David Stern vowed to punish the San Antonio Spurs for sending Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Danny Green home early rather than play in Miami against NBA champions Heat.
Despite missing several top players, the Spurs nearly shocked the Heat in the nationally televised game, leading 98-93 with 2:14 left, before Miami's big guns went on a 12-2 run to claim a 105-100 victory.
Miami improved to 11-3 and the Spurs slipped to 13-4.
