Golden State Warriors held on to beat the Houston Rockets 104-90 in game five of the Western Conference finals to advance to the NBA finals. The Warriors will meet LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers who swept the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference. The last time the Warriors qualified for the NBA Finals was 40 years ago in 1975.
Golden State Warriors Advance to NBA Finals for First Time Since 1975
The Warriors did not start out the game well, but finished the game strong behind 26 points and eight rebounds for NBA MVP Stephen Curry and 24 points for Harrison Barnes. Klay Thompson scored 20 points, but had foul trouble and had to leave the game in the fourth quarter with a hard hit to his head by Trevor Ariza’s knee. Thompson later developed concussion-like symptoms after the game. Draymond Green scored nine points with 13 rebounds. Center Andrew Bogut chipped in 14 rebounds.
Houston Rockets starters all scored in double figures
The Houston Rockets had a balanced attack, but could not hold on for the win. All five starters scored in double figures and Dwight Howard scored 18 point and had 16 rebounds. While James Harden scored 14 points, he set an NBA playoff record with 13 turnovers and shot 2 for 11. Harden had to be disappointed in his performance.
Houston had a great season despite numerous injuries to key players. Howard missed nearly half of the season. The Rockets were without Patick Beverley and Donatas Motiejunas in the playoffs. Houston also overcame a 3-1 deficit to the Los Angeles Clippers to win in seven games in Round 2 of the playoffs.
Curry struggled in the first half on 4 for 12 shooting. He rebounded in the second half, but the Rockets kept it close into the fourth quarter. However, Barnes was the catalyst that carried the Warriors to victory. Barnes scored nine straight Warriors points to give his team an unsurmountable 15 point lead.
NBA Finals to begin June 4th
The Warriors and the Cavaliers now have until June 4th before the start of the NBA Finals which is sure to be an exciting series. The first time NBA MVP Curry will meet the 4-time NBA MVP James. In addition, James has led his teams to five straight NBA Finals.
