The NBA defending champion Golden State Warriors has made a stunning comeback for what seemed to be an insurmountable series deficit after prevailing over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of their Western Conference Finals, to meet their long-time rival Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.
Advertisement
The Warriors rode a 36-point, eight-rebound night from Stephen Curry to dispatch the Thunder in Game 7 at Oracle Arena, vanquishing the Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook-led squad despite trailing 3-1 in the series.
The Golden State Warriors won the battle against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but now face a war for the National Basketball Association title with LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers.
After a rough shooting first half (again), the three balls started to fall for Golden State in the second half of Game 7 Monday – many of them contested, the Thunder defense remained stout. Westbrook led the way with 14 points and 7 assists, and Durant added 9 points (on 4-of-5 shooting) in a quiet first half for him.
The Thunder had looked like they were going to close out the series in Game 6, but the Warriors pulled back for the win, taking the series to 7 games. The Warriors opened the game 2-of-6 from three, then hit 12 of their next 24 – 10-of-20 in the second half – while the Thunder missed 13 straight at one point.
“I knew we were ready for the moment”.
The Warriors have everything on their side after winning Game 6 to tie the series. “Thinking about just the steps it took to get back to where we are now, I really have a true appreciation for these guys and my teammates and just a true appreciation of the journey”. “If we’re on the right page and doing things the right way, we’re going to be fine”.
But Oklahoma City’s Serge Ibaka fouled Curry on a three-point attempt with just one second left on the shot clock and Curry made all three free throws.
“You appreciate how tough it is to get back here”, Curry said. Moreover, Stephen Curry had 31 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and two crucial steals to compliment Thompson. “We’ve got to give them credit”. Game 1 is Thursday night on Golden State’s Oracle Arena home floor. The Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State’s opponent the previous round, are the only teams to beat the Warriors twice this season. If we don’t, long 48-minute game, we’ve got to keep at it. “Curry and the Warriors take great pride in having earned home-court advantage – their prize for a record-setting 73-win regular season”.
Advertisement
And Golden State’s beloved “Strength In Numbers” catchphrase coined by Coach of the Year Kerr was needed in every way.
