Scott Garbarini writes that Curry’s heroic return since spraining his right knee turned things around for the Warriors 132-125 victory in Game Four. “He averaged 30, he led the league in steals, he was 90-50-40 [shooting percentages from the free throw line, field and beyond the 3-point line] and they won 73 [games]”.
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The Warriors will now await the victor of the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.
After getting overwhelmed in Game 1, 118-106, Portland controlled most of Game 2, 3, 4 and 5 and proved that they’re a player or two away from being a legitimate title contender in the Western Conference. Now armed with a 3-1 advantage, Green stressed that his teammates are ready to close down the series and be within striking distance in defending their crown.
Curry is the first two-time MVP in franchise history, and Wilt Chamberlain (1959-60) is the only other Warriors victor.
Curry is back in full force for Game 5, hoping to help the reigning National Basketball Association champions get through a round in five games for the second consecutive series.
“We had to fight, scrap, claw and do everything possible”, said head coach Steve Kerr.
But Lillard was held to zero points in the third quarter of Game Four when the Warriors turned the game around after falling behind by 10 at the end of the first half, holding the Trail Blazers to just 18 points in the frame. “Really, whatever he says doesn’t have much of an impact on us”.
The MVP announcement last season came the day before Game 2 of Golden State’s second-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Lillard, an Oakland native, was 7-for-24 shooting in his final game of the season back home in the East Bay.
Curry started for the first time since Game 4 of the first round at Houston, the day he slipped on a wet spot and sprained his knee.
“I think he definitely deserved it”, James told reporters Wednesday.
“He reinvents the game every time he takes the floor”, Silver said. Golden State got big games from Green (37 points with eight 3-pointers, nine rebounds and eight assists) and Thompson (35 points with five 3-pointers).
No matter the opponent, Golden State wants to keep going on this remarkable run.
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Unlike the Rockets – who seemed to be relieved that the season was over after the Warriors obliterated them – the Blazers were not happy with just with competing with the champs. Curry made a 3-pointer in his 44th straight playoff games, tying Reggie Miller’s record set from 1995-2000….
