WARRIORS HEADED BACK TO NBA FINALS
PORTLAND, Ore. — Stephen Curry is arguably the Warriors’ most valuable player. Draymond Green is arguably the Warriors’ most important player.
Combine their complementary skillsets, and the Warriors just ensured something that only one other team has accomplished in NBA history.
The Warriors finished with a 119117 overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, which both swept the series and ensured their fifth consecutive NBA Finals appearance. The Warriors also became only the second team to appear in such a stretch since the Boston Celtics appeared in the Finals from 1959 to 1966.
The Warriors can thank Curry and Green for that. Curry finished with 37 points while going 11-of-25 from the field and 7-of-16 from 3. Green added 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting, 14 rebounds and 11 assists for his eighth career postseason triple double. Those two players have become integral parts of the Warriors’ three NBA titles in the past four years. They also helped the Warriors overcome a recent series of obstacles.
The Warriors played their sixth consecutive game without Kevin Durant, who has been sidelined with a right calf injury. The Warriors missed veteran Andre Iguodala, who felt tightness in his left calf in Game 3. And the Warriors faced a 17-point deficit amid breakout performances from Meyers Leonard (30 points), C.J. McCollum (28) and Damian Lillard (26).
Yet, the Warriors overcame a 17point deficit for the third consecutive playoff game against Portland. The Warriors lived up to their “Strength in Numbers” philosophy. Klay Thompson had 17 points albeit on a 7of-21 clip. Warriors reserves Kevon Looney (12 points, 14 rebounds) and Alfonzo McKinnie (12 points, two rebounds) helped the Warriors with hustle plays.
Everything centered, though on Curry and Green. The Warriors could’ve avoided overtime had Curry not stepped back for an open 3 that was called for a travel. But Curry set up Green for an open 3-pointer that gave the Warriors a 119-115 lead with 39.6 seconds left. Afterwards, Green talked trash to Portland’s bench.
The Warriors have plenty to boast about afterwards. They have a chance to become only the sixth team in NBA history to win three consecutive titles. They will also have nine days to prepare for either Milwaukee or Toronto when the Finals begin on May 30.