2016 NBA Playoffs: Warriors take the series 4-1, advance to Western Conference finals
[1] Golden State Warriors 125-121 [5] Portland Trailblazers [Golden State clinch series 4-1]
It was the usual from this record breaking Golden State Warriors team as they beat the Portland Trailblazers quite comfortably at the end of regulation in Game 5 of the Western Conference semis. It was a similar story, after the game started, Portland took a big lead and were ahead at the half way stage. But led by the Splash brothers(Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry), the Warriors made their way back before taking a lead at the end of the third quarter and keeping it for most of the fourth.
There were a series of turnovers, mainly in transition by the Warriors and coach Steve Kerr also pointed it out saying they have to be smarter with the ball at the mid way stage. However, once they started getting baskets, it looked all too easy.
The Warriors shot 51.2% from the field, comparatively better than the Trailblazers who shot 41.3%. For Portland, point guard Damian Lillard top scored with 28, CJ McCollum not too far behind with 27. For the Warriors, it was Klay Thompson who top scored with 33 points, with 13 off 17 field goals made(.765) which is the best field percentage in a postseason game in his career.
Whereas recently crowned unanimous MVP of the league Stephen Curry chipped in 29 as well, making a clutch three-pointer with 24 seconds remaining in regulation to give the Warriors a 5 point lead and sending the crowd into raptures. Curry also had 5 rebounds and 11 assists to his name and equalled Indiana Pacer’s legend Reggie Miller’s record of having made a 3 point field goal in 44 consecutive playoff games.
Warriors look to go back to back
Ever since the Warriors have gone 73-9, breaking the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls regular season record of 72 wins, there has been only one thing on their minds, going back to back. Stephen Curry has been quoted as saying too that if they don’t win the championship, it doesn't matter what they have achieved in the season, as it is the playoffs and the post season where you have to make your mark.
GSW have definitely done that so far and it increasingly looks like no team can stop this unit from winning another ring. They have shown the heart and the desire even when the MVP was injured, to rally themselves from behind and win tough series and now are one step closer to the promised land.
They will be waiting eagerly to find out the winner between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, with OKC leading the series 3-2.