3 Key Themes of the Social Chatter Around Warriors' Grudge Match with Clippers

There is no love lost between the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors. Neither team wanted to relinquish the role as the biggest bully on the block in their final regular season matchup Tuesday night.

The Warriors climbed back from a 17-point first-half deficit behind the smooth strokes of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The Splash Brothers combined for 52 as Golden State topped the Clippers at the Staples Center.

Displays of talent and desire in this game showcased some special aspects of the growing rivalry between the two Western Conference contenders.

The Baby-Faced Assassin

Normally 27 points and nine assists would ensure Chris Paul breaks into the highlights in a positive manner. That wasn't the case this time due to Curry's antics.

Curry, proclaimed as “the most unguardable player” in the league by Jamie Foxx in a popular Under Armour commercial, crossed up his point guard counterpart, putting Paul on skates.

As Curry continues to expand his resume for the MVP award, the debate determining the top point guard in the league catches fire. Could one play accompanied by a never-ending cycle of vines dethrone Paul?

Since Paul is no longer able to go out on top, is it time to hang 'em up and embark on a career of competitive twister?

OK, that may be a bit of a stretch, but Curry did win the point guard matchup in this round.

Knock-Down, Drag-Out

Ever since the locker room fight break out last May following a seven-game battle between the Clippers and Warriors, the showdowns have been anything but friendly.

Early in the first half, Blake Griffin jumpstarted the fight for manhood with a hard or “common” foul.

That particular play may not have been too serious, but this wouldn't be a true a rivalry without a little bit of excessive force right?

Do not worry, Shaun Livingston made sure to check the box in the technical foul department, while David Lee held up his end of the bargain with a flagrant.

Keep in mind this is still a regular season game. The real physical play begins in the playoffs, heightening the excitement around the possibility of a postseason matchup between the Clippers and Warriors.

More Is Definitely Better

Golden State already clinched the top seed in the Western Conference, while the Clippers currently sit in fifth place as the playoffs approach.

As a new facet of this rivalry develops with each confrontation, a postseason dual is more and more enticing for NBA fans.

Given a hypothetical matchup with fully healthy Clippers' and Warriors' teams, who would win in a seven-game series?

The intensity level was high Tuesday night despite the absence of key players for both teams. With the return of Jamal Crawford for the Clippers and Draymond Green for the Warriors, the possible storylines in the next meeting only deepen.

The passing of April means the approach of the postseason. The game between the Warriors and Clippers gave a preview of the quality and intensity of playoff basketball.