NBA: Golden State Warriors set record and secure play-off spot on final day

The Golden State Warriors defeated Portland Trail Blazers 157-101 to secure a play-off spot

(Basketball news) The Golden State Warriors set a first quarter NBA record as they defeated Portland Trail Blazers 157-101 to secure a play-off spot on the final day of the regular season. The defending champions needed a win to finish in the top six in the Western Conference and went on to record 55 points in the first quarter to lead 55-27 with Stephen Curry finishing with 26 points from 22 minutes.

The other remaining play-off spot was taken by the Los Angeles Clippers who defeated Phoenix Suns 119-114 to secure the number five seed. The result meant that the Golden State Warriors will face the Sacramento Kings next while the Los Angeles Lakers overcame Utah Jazz 128-117 with LeBron James scoring 36 points with eight three pointers.

The Lakers will now take on the Minnesota Timberwolves for whom Karl-Anthony Towns scored 30 points against the New Orleans Pelicans, thereby securing a 113-108 victory to take eighth place. All the play-off and play-in spots in the Eastern Conference have already been decided before the final day with teams ranked seven to 10 competing in the play-in tournament. It will feature three games in each conference from 11-14th April to determine the seven and eight seeds for the play-offs.

Play-in fixtures (away teams first)

Eastern Conference

Atlanta Hawks v Miami Heat

Chicago Bulls v Toronto Raptors

Western Conference

Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Lakers

Oklahoma City Thunder v New Orleans Pelicans

Play-off fixtures

Eastern Conference

Milwaukee Bucks v Eighth seed

Boston Celtics v Seventh seed

Philadelphia 76ers v Brooklyn Nets