Warriors beat Nuggets and improve to 15-0, equaling best start in NBA history

Klay Thompson scored 21 points, and the Golden State Warriors equaled the best start in NBA history, defeating the Nuggets, 118-105, on Sunday night in Denver to move to 15-0.

Golden State matched the start of the 1948-49 Washington Capitols and the ‘93-94 Houston Rockets. The Warriors can break the record Tuesday at home against the Lakers.

The Warriors also surpassed the 1957-58 Boston Celtics for the best start by a defending champion.

Thompson hit a three-pointer with 2:08 remaining in the second quarter and Golden State never trailed again. The reserves built up a sizable lead and allowed Stephen Curry to rest the entire fourth quarter. He had 19 points, the first time this season he hasn’t reached 20.

Darrell Arthur had 21 points for the Nuggets, who’ve lost three straight.

at Oklahoma City 117, Dallas 114: Russell Westbrook had 31 points, including two key baskets in the final 63 seconds, and added 11 assists as the Thunder rallied from a double-digit third-quarter deficit to end the Mavericks’ six-game winning streak. Serge Ibaka had 16 points, nine rebounds and a key late blocked shot for Oklahoma City, which was without star forward Kevin Durant for the sixth straight game because of a hamstring injury.

at New Orleans 122, Phoenix 116: Anthony Davis capped a 32-point, 19-rebound performance with a tiebreaking three-pointer in the final minute, and the Pelicans outscored the Suns to earn just their third win in 14 games this season. Davis, whose rebound total set a season high, also blocked four shots and had two steals. Ryan Anderson, who scored 30 in each of his previous two games, had 29 points for New Orleans. Eric Bledsoe scored 29 for Phoenix, which lost despite hitting 17 three-pointers.

at Brooklyn 111, Boston 101: Brook Lopez had 23 points and 10 rebounds, Jarrett Jack scored 13 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter and the Nets earned a split of a home-and-home series. Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley each scored 27 points for the Celtics, who won by 25 points Friday night in Boston.

Toronto 91, at Clippers 80

Portland at Lakers, late