Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers jumped out to a 12 point advantage, but the Golden State Warriors roared back to life to claim the 120 - 117 win and snap their two-game losing streak.
A lacklustre first half from the Warriors saw them give up 67 points to the Sixers, who shot an electric 53% from the field. But things turned around in drastic fashion when the second half got underway as the Warriors erased the 12 point deficit behind a 38-23 quarter.
They lifted their defensive intensity and their offense found its groove as the reigning champs took over.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Warriors, ending the contest with 34 points on 11-24 shooting. DeMarcus Cousins went to work down low with 25 points. The big man also pulled down eight rebounds.
Stephen Curry ensured the Warriors escaped with the road victory with 11 points down the stretch, giving him 28 for the game.
11 PTS for Steph in the 4th (28 total)!#DubNation 117#HereTheyCome 111
— NBA (@NBA) March 3, 2019
38.2 remaining on #NBAonABC pic.twitter.com/D3Fr06Yjqf
But the 76ers refused to back down and ensured the game went down to the wire in front of their home fans.
The Sixers were severely limited at centre without Joel Embiid, Boban Marjanovic and Amir Johnson, leaving Jonah Bolden to start at the five.
Simmons took control for the Sixers and recorded his 10th triple-double of the season to the tune of 25 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists.
But it was the stellar play of Mike Scott off the bench who provided the biggest spark with the backup big dropping 22 points on 6-9 shooting from deep.
The Sixers had a chance late in the contest to tie it up, but Draymond Green fouled Ben Simmons and a late free throw battle saw the Warriors claim the win.
Golden State return home for a three-game stand that begins with a meeting against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.
Philly, meanwhile, stays at home and will take on the Orlando Magic next.