Too Legit To Quit? Warriors Big 3rd Quarter Leads To Series Clincher Over Nuggets In 92-88 Win.
The Golden St. Warriors have finally won their first playoff series in over 6 years; but it wasn’t an easy closeout. Even a strained hip flexor from David Lee, and a hefty $25K on head coach Mark Jackson couldn’t stop the Warriors from defeating the Nuggets in their series finale. Heading into the game 6, Golden St. had been tested in game 5, with the Denver bringing their defensive adjustments to contain the free-flowing offense the Warriors had in the previous 3-of-4 games.
With the series at 3-2 heading into Game 6 in Oracle; every Bay Area local was tuned in, with even MC Hammer court-side to witness the festivities. In the first quarter, Steph Curry came out struggling again only scoring one FG in the entire half.
Draymond Green’s outside shooting and Andrew Bogut playing like his Milwaukee Bucks days, would carry Golden State to keep the game intact. David Lee who was thought to be out for the entire season, was cleared to play; and came into the game for one minute providing an emotional lift for the team to go out and handle business.
Check after the jump for video highlights and more of the recap.
During the second quarter, both teams struggled shooting and scoring with neither surpassing 20 points. In the third quarter we would see the Warriors start their explosive run for the game with Steph Curry hitting 13 points (three from long range) to give his team a much needed boost for a tough fourth quarter ahead.
With Curry making it rain from long distance, the team’s offense opened up allowing the others to score with all attention on the league’s best shooter. Andrew Bogut and Carl Landry scored 13 combined points in the quarter, with the paint virtually open due to Denver’s concern about the three.
The Warriors would open the quarter extending their lead to 18 (while Curry was getting a much needed rest), with most watching thinking it was all but over. The Nuggets would soon go on a 13-0 run attacking the basketball to draw fouls. Golden St. was having a nightmare with the Denver offense finally picking up due to countless turnovers (10 in the quarter total).
At the two-minute mark, Curry gave his team a sigh of relief crossing Ty Lawson for a quick-finger role. Golden State would have two costly inbound turnovers, showing their signs of youth almost costing them the game; but the Nuggets would miss a few buckets in the late seconds which the game would end. The Warriors were visibly showing their signs of nervousness from the finale and could only thank GOD after their victory
Golden St. now moves into Western Conference Semifinals to face the San Antonio Spurs. This the match-up the Spurs would like to see due to the size, length and depth of the Denver Nuggets; but we’re not sure if they’re ready for the fast-paced hot shooting Warriors. San Antonio has been resting up their starters after sweeping the Lakers last Sunday and will need their entire team to stay healthy this series.
Fans who’ve criticized the Warriors victory last night should still know this is their first series clincher together. With first time head coach Mark Jackson and his young nucleus of players for the future, this a learning process they’re sharing in this run together.
Game 1 for Golden State at San Antonio is this Monday at 9:30pm ET on TNT.
Win or Go HOME!