In the battle between the league’s best teams, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 114-95 on Wednesday night behind Harrison Barnes and Andre Iguodala who top-scored for their team with 25 and 21 points, respectively. Shooter Klay Thompson was out of commission because of an injury while Stephen Curry was out of sync from the field for most of the night but it didn’t matter as the West’s best proved they are better than the top team in the East in this regular season match-up.

Golden State improved to 54-13 for the season with the win and still holds the best record in the entire league. Atlanta dropped to 53-15, easily the best in their conference but dropped one and a half game back for the top spot. The Warriors got back at the Hawks after the latter beat them, 124-116 in their home court last Feb. 6.

Curry missed 7-of-11 shots from the field, 4-of-6 from behind the arc and also had four turnovers but the Warriors’ leader had 12 assists to add to his 16 points. With half of the “Splash Brothers” out because of an ankle injury, Barnes and Iguodala combined to shoot for 20-of-25 field goals, or a scorching 80% FG rate for a total of 46 points between the two of them. Andrew Bogut went scoreless but grabbed 14 rebounds and had 3 blocked shots while Draymond Green hit 5-of-7 three-pointers to finish with 18 points.

This was largely a forgettable night for the Hawks on both ends of the floor. One of the best defensive teams in the league allowing only about 96 points per game, the Hawks allowed 59 points after the first half and allowed 97 points for the Warriors with still over seven minutes to go in the game. On offence, Atlanta shot 35.6% as a team or 31-of-87 field goals as Paul Millsap (6/14 FGs) and Al Horford (4/18 FGs) both struggled from the floor. Jeff Teague had a dozen markers and had six turnovers.

The Hawks had a three-game winning streak snapped with the loss and they need to find their rhythm back soon as they face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday and then take on the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. The Warriors have won three games in a row and eight of their last nine outings and they’ll continue a six-game homestead with games against the New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards in their next three games.

To contact author of this article, email j.quizon@IBTimes.com.au

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