But with his team trailing three games to one in the best-of-seven series and on the brink of elimination, he played with the desperation required of a league MVP. It’s not over. We’re going to continue to fight.
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The Warriors must find a way to break through in Oklahoma City or their record-breaking season may be deemed a failure. And the Thunder’s commanding leads going into the fourth quarter were built on an edge in foul shots.
On the other side, Kevin Durant ended the game with 40 points, four assists and seven rebounds. Durant had a chance to cut the deficit to three with about 35 seconds left but misfired. But the more aggressive Curry of Thursday night might be someone the Thunder can’t handle – at least not with the ease they did in the previous two games. In Oklahoma City where so much has gone so wrong for them? In the entire postseason, Oklahoma City is averaging 27.9 free throws per game to Golden State’s 25.5. Game 5 reminded everyone of a local truism about Kerr’s two seasons in Oakland: While Curry, power forward Draymond Green and shooting guard Klay Thompson are the stars in the Warriors’ heavens, the reserves have been almost as crucial to the team’s success.
Five dribbles on the Warriors’ 120-111 win over the visiting Thunder in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals Thursday. If they pull off the W, then to Game 7 we go.
The Thunder need just one win to eliminate the Warriors.
The game number six will be played on May 29th at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
“We can do better”, Westbrook said. On the ensuing possession, he bottled up Durant and forced him into a miss. So, Durant can say whatever he wants but, Westbrook has struggled when guarded by Curry. Stephen Curry looked about ready to collapse during his postgame interview. It could be the lingering effects of a knee injury he suffered in the first round against Houston.
Things weren’t looking good for the defending champions heading into the night. “I think that’s helping spread the floor. So really it’s fun to see the bench play well”. He’s going to compete every night.
The Warriors’ role players aren’t likely to save the day again. Enes Kanter, who had been an offensive positive, was an effective no-show, scoring one point in just six minutes because his defense made him mostly unplayable.
Golden State got a more typical effort from Curry on Thursday night after two subpar games in Oklahoma City. They allowed Russell Westbrook a triple double, 36 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, while also keeping his teammates productive in the game. Bogut had 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Bogut agrees his performance in the series had not been good enough. The rebounding battle was even, which was a victory for the Warriors. “We were embarrassed in OKC the last couple games”.
Kerr routinely rotates nine or 10 players, even in big games. “But those are the ones that get you in trouble if you play right into their hands”.
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Green is Golden State’s emotional leader, and his fire often drives the team’s success.
