NBA playoffs West first round of the fifth game, the Warriors returned home to meet the Nuggets, the first four meetings, the Warriors 3 wins and 1 loss, this game is their game point, and for the Nuggets, they have been able to retreat, Kerr took the initiative to change, Curry returned to the starting, the Warriors used five small lineups against Jokic, the two teams after the competition, the Warriors in The Little Payton and Curry's key three-point and layups, won 102-98, the big score 4-1 eliminated the Nuggets, and advanced to the Western Conference semifinals.
Curry dominates the game, with 30 points + key layups to harvest the game
In addition to the efforts of the whole team, Curry's reuse of the Warriors can win is self-evident, and curry returned to his familiar starting position in this game, playing nearly 38 minutes, hitting 10 of 22 shots, 5 of 11 three-pointers, getting 7 free throws, 30 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Five three-pointers have allowed Curry to hit more than five three-pointers in a single game in 49 career playoff games, ranking first in NBA history.
Curry is not only the hero of the victory, but also the absolute core of the five small lineups, Green, Klay, Curry, Poole and Wiggins are very efficient in this game, according to statistics, when Kerr uses the five small lineups, the Warriors' overall shooting percentage is 63.6%, and the three-point shooting rate is as high as 54.2%. Being able to score 147.8 points per 100 rounds and 34.4 points against opponents, these data are enough to prove their excellence, and it is also the key to the Warriors' victory, they are behind, they resist the pressure, stabilize the situation when they are overtaking, such Warriors are really tough.
And the five small lineup, although strong on the offensive end, but the rebound lost more, but the Warriors have Curry at the key moment, his control of the game made the Nuggets suffer, Curry began to take over the game with the ball in the last four minutes of the game, under his attraction, Little Payton shot 2 three-pointers, and Curry directly ended the game with an easy layup at the critical moment, making all the Nuggets' efforts in vain.
Payton was praised for saving the Warriors with two key three-pointers
After the game, Cole was interviewed, he did not praise Curry, Clay and other core players too much, but praised Payton Jr. alone, Kerr said: Payton's defense in the fourth quarter is fantastic, which is the main reason why I have been putting him on the court, in the offensive end also let everyone shine, three points, breakthrough layup, he played very firmly, I think the important factor for the team to win this game, is Payton at the critical moment to help the team through the difficulties.
Payton Jr. played 26 minutes, 8 shots 6, 3 of 4 three-pointers, 15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and did not have any mistakes, so performance, how not surprising, when Poole, Clay downturn, when Green's offensive end can not open the situation, Payton became the most reliable teammate around Curry, he was very active at both ends of the offensive and defensive ends, successfully helped the team reverse the game, win the victory, advance to the second round, Payton is indispensable.
Thompson was average in the game, scoring 15 points, and he was so excited to see the team win, leaving the stadium with a constant shout of "Fantastic, we're in the semi-finals and the goal never stops". Klay is happy, after all, this season is his first playoff in two years, the state has been ups and downs, but his contribution on the court has been very good, eliminating the Nuggets, giving the Warriors more confidence to impact higher goals, break through the West, to try to compete for the championship, has become their only goal.
Compared with the excitement of the Warriors' promotion, the losing side of the Nuggets should be respected, especially Jokic's comprehensive data of 30 points, 19 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks, breaking various records, although eliminated, as fans also need to thank them and the Warriors for bringing us this wonderful showdown. I hope that the Warriors can become more and more courageous in the following games, and I also hope that the Nuggets can adjust the lineup and make a comeback next season.