Golden State Survives Scare, Defeats Utah Jazz in Overtime

The Golden State Warriors (68-7) defeated the Utah Jazz (37-38) in overtime Wednesday night, 103-96. The Warriors need just five more wins to break the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ record of 72-10 to become the winningest team in NBA history.

By their standards, the Warriors got off to a slow start Wednesday night, scoring only 42 points in the first half. It was only the third time the Warriors have been held to 42 points or fewer in the first half in a game this season.

With the Warriors holding a 42-40 lead after halftime, the Jazz outscored the Warriors 29-21 in the third quarter to take a 69-63 lead heading into the fourth. The Jazz held the lead for most of the fourth quarter, but the Warriors refused to back down. With the Jazz leading 89-86 with less than 20 seconds left, Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson attempted a 26-foot three point jumper, but missed. A few seconds later, he made a three-point shot to tie the game and send it into overtime.

Thompson said he knew he was not going to miss twice.

Thirty seconds into overtime, Utah forward Gordon Hayward made a two point shot to give the Jazz a 91-89 lead, which would be the team’s final lead of the game. Golden State point guard Shaun Livingston tied the game at 91 with 4:09 left, and the Warriors rolled from there. Forward Draymond Green made a couple of free throws with 25 seconds left to give Golden State the 103-96 victory.

With this victory, the #Warriors have set a new franchise record with 68 single season wins! pic.twitter.com/Zi0fgkLEKc

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) March 31, 2016

Following the game, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr took time to praise Utah’s defense.

Point guard Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 31 points, four assists and seven rebounds.

Golden State is 6-0 this season in overtime. The team will host the Boston Celtics on Friday.