Davis’ return spoiled

Monta Ellis matched his season high with 29 points, Corey Maggette had 21 and the Golden State Warriors defeated the Clippers, 127-120, on Tuesday night.

Baron Davis scored 29 points in his first game in Oakland since opting out of his contract with the Warriors. He received a warm ovation before the game.

Anthony Morrow had 20 points as the Warriors won their third in four games. Kelenna Azubuike had 16 and Anthony Randolph 14.

Al Thornton had 25 points and nine rebounds, Zach Randolph had 20 points and 11 rebounds and Marcus Camby had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers.

The Clippers pulled to within four points of the Warriors three times in the fourth quarter but could never close the gap, falling to 1-22 when trailing after three quarters on the road.

Stephen Jackson sat out the game after his one-game suspension was handed down from the NBA for receiving his 16th technical foul of the season during Sunday’s 154-130 loss to Phoenix.

Marco Belinelli started in place of Jamal Crawford, whom Don Nelson benched so he could give the 6-foot-5 Italian guard extended playing time. He played just over 16 minutes.

The Warriors built a 15-point lead after a three-point play from Anthony Randolph before settling for a 92-81 lead entering the final quarter.

The Warriors ended the first half with an 18-7 run to take a 59-51 lead into intermission.