The Golden State Warriors have advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the fourth consecutive year after eliminating the Pelicans with a 113-104 home victory in Game 5 on Tuesday night. The Dubs never trailed by more than two points and led for the vast majority of the first half before putting forth a third quarter onslaught that would put the game out of reach.
Stephen Curry paced the Warriors with 28 points to go along with seven rebounds and eight assists. Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson added 24 and 23 points, respectively, while Draymond Green just missed another triple-double with 19 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists.
The Dubs won 113 to 104 and closed out the series 4-1, advancing to the next stage in their quest for another NBA Title.
Davis had 34 points and 19 rebounds for a Pelicans team that overcame the loss of DeMarcus Cousins to a season-ending torn Achilles tendon three months ago to make this strong run. The Pelicans shaved the lead to seven points with two minutes left on a basket by Davis before Draymond Green’s turnaround fadeaway moments later.
The Warriors advance to play the top-seeded Houston Rockets in what has long been an anticipated Western Conference finals matchup — with a Finals feel, perhaps — and one Golden State will start on the road Monday night. The teams didn’t meet during the 2017 post-season, but the Warriors won a five-game series in the first round of the 2016 playoffs. Houston eliminated Utah in its Game 5 earlier Tuesday.
The defending champions are serious about a repeat title, and took one step closer to that goal.
So far this post-season, with Durant and Green leading the way, the Warriors have admirably defended the slower San Antonio Spurs and now the imposing, push-the-pace Pelicans.
