Thompson’s 34 help Warriors top Thunder in chippy game

From left, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Semaj Christon (6) and guard Russell Westbrook, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and guard Klay Thompson, and Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) get into a tussle during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Monday, March 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Klay Thompson scored 34 points to help the Golden State Warriors beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-95 on Monday night in a heated matchup filled with trash talking, physical play and technical fouls.

It was Golden State’s second visit to Oklahoma City since former Thunder star Kevin Durant signed a free agent contract with the rival Warriors last summer. Durant has been out since February with a left knee injury and sat on the bench with his team.

Even with Durant out, the negative energy from the first meeting was still there. Stephen Curry exchanged shoves with Oklahoma City’s Semaj Christon just before halftime, and both were issued technical fouls. Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook and Golden State’s Draymond Green also got technical for their roles in the skirmish.

The Warriors controlled the game, leading by as many as 27 points.