NBA wrap: Warriors top Nuggets behind impressive 3-point shooting performance

Golden State knocked down a franchise record 10 3-pointers in the first quarter on its way to 51 points.

Stephen Curry

The Warriors and Nuggets kicked off their matchup Tuesday with an impressive scoring display.

The Warriors took the lead early and didn't let up as they knocked down a franchise record 10 3-pointers in the first quarter on their way to 51 points. Golden State ended up claiming a 142-111 victory.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson both scored 31 points, leading all scorers. Kevin Durant finished with 27 points and made five 3-pointers. Those three stars combined for 18 of the team's 21 makes from beyond the arc on the night.

Malik Beasley scored 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting for the Nuggets while Jamal Murray chipped in 21.

The Warriors claimed the top spot in the Western Conference from Denver with the victory, improving to 30-14. However, the Nuggets are right behind them at 29-14.

Studs of the Night

Joel Embiid totaled 31 points and 13 rebounds as the 76ers dominated the Timberwolves 149-107.

Russell Westbrook scored 31 points and dished out 11 assists but the Thunder fell to the Hawks 142-126.

Giannis Antetokounmpo only took nine shots, but recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 124-86 victory for the Bucks over the Heat.

Duds of the Night

De'Anthony Melton managed to put up three points on 1-of-7 shooting in the Suns' 131-97 loss to the Pacers.

Josh Richardson scored six points on 3-of-11 shooting for the Heat in their loss to the Bucks.

Kris Dunn tallied six points on 2-of-7 shooting in the Bulls' 107-100 loss to the Lakers. He was minus-25 for the game.

Highlights

DeAndre' Bembry rocked the rim for the Hawks with this emphatic, two-handed reverse slam.

The Warriors may have gotten off to a hot start against the Nuggets, but Murray hit a deep buzzer-beater to end the first quarter on a high note.

What's Next?

Raptors (33-12) at Celtics (25-18) 8 p.m. ET —  Boston was considered the favorite to come out of the Eastern Conference at the start of the season, but Toronto has the best record in the NBA. The Celtics have struggled to find their chemistry while the Raptors have improved significantly after the addition of Kawhi Leonard. These teams could meet again some time in the postseason.