Two of the most exciting point guards in the NBA will be engaged in a duel to close out the NBA's Christmas Day schedule.
The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers are the final game on the NBA's Christmas Day's slate. This should be a great game to finish off the holiday basketball festivities, as it features two of the most exciting point guards going head-to-head to close the night out.
Chris Paul has the Clippers in solid position through the first third of the season. They currently lead the Pacific Division, winning 20 of their 29 games. The Warriors, meanwhile, are trying to get out of a slump. The absence of Andre Iguodala due to injury took a toll on the Warriors, who are now hanging onto the eighth seed in the Western Conference with Iggy back in the lineup after a recent win over his previous team, the Denver Nuggets. The Warriors have now won three of their last four games since his return and have the stage to themselves to prove they're getting back on their feet.
Meet the Warriors
Golden State has become synonymous with three-point shooting, and for good reason. Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry are first and third, respectively, in three-point field goals made in the NBA this season. You can expect the "Splash Bros" to be in full-on attack as they test the Clippers' defense, which has been a work in progress through Doc Rivers' first season at the helm of the franchise. Iguodala's return opens the floor for both players to work off-ball, and he's also a great release valve when the defense focuses on them.
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Iguodala is shooting a career-high 43.1 percent from three-point range, benefiting from being a complementary player in team's offense.
Meet the Clippers
Chris Paul continues building on his excellent career, but that's to be expected. The Clippers brought in Paul knowing what they were getting from him, but needing more from both DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin. Griffin is averaging 20.9 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, which is on par with his career-averages, but Jordan has stepped up this season. The Clippers' defensive anchor is averaging a career-high 9.6 points per game while leading the league in field-goal percentage. He's also averaging 13.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game, both career highs.
When: Dec. 25, 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: San Francisco, Calif., Oracle Arena
How to watch: ESPN
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