Warriors guard Klay Thompson has record-setting night in throttling of the Bulls

SHARE Warriors guard Klay Thompson has record-setting night in throttling of the Bulls
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Ryan Arcidiacono was 4 when the Bulls’ dynasty was coming to an end.

So a six-title team is basically legend to him.

Well, give the Warriors a few more years.

“I remember being a junior and senior [at Villanova] and just being a hoops junkie, I was constantly using my NBA League Pass to always watch [the Warriors] when their run started, staying up late,’’ Arcidiacono said. “Just watching in amazement of their shooting ability, how great their team was and continues to be.

“Back then, I was kind of in awe. Now that I’m here in the NBA, I’m lucky enough to be going up against them.’’

On Monday, it was more unfortunate than lucky.

Putting together one of the most lethal first halves in NBA history, Golden State completely dismantled the Bulls, throttling them 149-124 at the United Center.

The only uncertainty was how many records the Warriors would break and how broken the Bulls’ spirit would be.

Golden State’s 92 points were the second-highest in a first half in NBA history, behind the Suns’ 107 against the Nuggets on Nov. 10, 1990. That total was the most points the Bulls have ever allowed in a first half, and they also allowed the most three-pointers in a half with 17.

The Warrior who did the most damage was Klay Thompson, who had 52 points and broke the NBA record held by teammate Stephen Curry for most three-pointers made in a game with 14. Curry’s previous mark was 13.

Thompson accomplished all that with five minutes left in the third quarter. He was pulled a minute later, getting a loud round of applause from the UC fans with one-time Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah in attendance.

The defense on display was a far cry from the way Noah and his teammates used to play during the big man’s tenure with the Bulls.

“It’s rare that happens,’’ Thompson said about visiting fans cheering him on. “It was so much fun to get an ovation just from people who are fans of basketball, and they appreciate things like that. When you just touch the ball and you feel the electricity of the crowd, that’s why you play.’’

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Being red-hot from almost any distance would also seem to be a reason to play.

“I just knew I was due for a big night,’’ Thompson said.

In defense of the Bulls (2-5) — the only time Bulls and defense can be used in the same sentence — they were facing a historic team and were undermanned, as well.

With Lauri Markkanen (right elbow), Kris Dunn (left knee), Denzel Valentine (left ankle) and Bobby Portis (right knee) healthy, they would’ve had an uphill climb. Without those four? Forget it.

Justin Holiday didn’t want to hear any of that.

“Nope, I mean you go out there to win the game,’’ Holiday said. “It doesn’t matter. You can’t make that kind of excuse.’’

Maybe more impressive than the basketball display was Thompson’s teammates pushing him for that record.

“I think that’s how much they care about Klay and felt for him because he’s had a rough start to the season,’’ Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “Obviously, he got it going tonight, to say the least.’’

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