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Klay Thompson’s sizzling first half highlights 42-point game against Memphis

Golden State’s Klay Thompson was near unstoppable in a 37-point first half against Memphis that highlighted a 42-point game. (Associated Press)
Associated Press
Golden State’s Klay Thompson was near unstoppable in a 37-point first half against Memphis that highlighted a 42-point game. (Associated Press)

OAKLAND, Calif. – Klay Thompson scored 26 of his 42 points in a sensational second quarter, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Memphis Grizzlies 111-107 on Monday night.

The All-Star guard outshined teammate and MVP candidate Stephen Curry for a change with his own streaky shooting stretch. Thompson finished 15 of 21 from the floor, including 8 of 10 from 3-point range, to help the top-seeded Warriors (66-15) tune up for the playoffs.

Golden State led by 32 points in the third quarter before resting its regulars. Memphis moved within four in the final seconds to give the game a little drama.

But the rally came too late.

The Grizzlies (54-27) slipped to sixth in the Western Conference standings, including a game behind San Antonio (55-26) and Houston (55-26) in the Southwest Division. Memphis, which is trying to win its first division title, plays host to Indiana in Wednesday’s season finale.

Thompson made his first eight shots from the floor, mixing in mid-range jumpers and crafty layups with his usual 3-point prowess. He scored 11 points in the first quarter to help Golden State go ahead 36-21.

Thompson made 10 of 13 shots in the second quarter, including 6 of 7 from 3-point range. He was in such a groove that his teammates turned down open shots, frantically looking to get him the ball, while the announced sellout crowd of 19,596 chanted, “Klay! Klay! Klay!”

In a nearly 9-minute span, Thompson scored 23 straight points for the Warriors. He ended the half with 37 points.

The scene brought back memories of Thompson’s record-setting performance against Sacramento on Jan. 23, when he scored 37 of his career-high 52 points in the third quarter. It was the most points in a quarter in NBA history.