The Golden State Warriors head into Wednesday with a 3-1 lead over the Los Angeles Clippers. A 3-1 lead in the playoffs haven’t always been in favor of the Warriors, but after stealing the last two games in the Staples Center, the Warriors will go back home to the Oracle Arena. Since the Clippers stole Game 2, 135-131, back on April 15, the Warriors have played sound defense in Games 3 and 4.
Warriors with big MO
Golden State took a 2-1 lead in the series when they regained momentum in Game 3 with a 132-105 victory. Sunday’s Game 4 matchup was a bit closer, as the Warriors came away with a 113-105 win to push their series lead to 3-1. Kevin Durant scored 33 points, and Thompson added 32 in the win over the Clippers on Sunday.
“We came in with that mindset to put our foot on the throttle and not let go,” Thompson said. “We let go in Game 2, and we won’t do that the rest of the playoffs. I really believe that.”
After a quiet 12 points in Game 3, Thompson broke out for 27 points by halftime, when Durant had 19.
“In the first quarter, we really didn’t need to do anything special. Klay was just amazing. K.D. was consistent the whole game,” Stephen Curry said. “For us, obviously with the threats we have out there, it is just a matter of trying to be as patient as possible.”
Curry’s patience was tried as he missed his first six shots and was in foul trouble for the second straight game before finishing with 12 points. Andrew Bogut fouled out with 5:50 remaining in the game with eight points and 10 rebounds. Game 5 is Wednesday in Oakland when the two-time defending champions could close out the series.
The Warriors were 17 of 19 from the free throw line. They controlled the boards, 49-33, led by Curry and Bogut with 10 rebounds apiece.
“The rebounding really hurt us again,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. “Right now they are crushing us on the glass.”
LA Licking their Wounds
Coming off a 27-point loss in Game 3, the Clippers played tougher defensively and hung in after trailing by 11 in the second quarter.
They outscored Golden State 30-25 in the third when they rallied to take a five-point lead. But Curry scored seven of the Warriors’ final 10 points to send them into the fourth ahead 87-84.
“This team was just looking for a crack,” Durant said of the Clippers. “They don’t stop. Even when you go home after the game you’re going to be thinking of them because they’re tough.”
Rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Clippers with a career-high 25 points. Danilo Gallinari added 16 points but was just 5 of 20 from the floor. Patrick Beverley had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
“He played with no fear,” Durant said of Gilgeous-Alexander,” and that’s what kept them in the game most of the game.”
- Get more details: LA Clippers at Golden State Warriors NBA Match-up Stats
