The Golden State Warriors have their sights set on the second round. In game 3 against San Antonio Spurs, Kevin Durant makes the difference. After the 110:97 victory (BOXSCORE), there are many indications of a sweep.
The game was in the AT&T Center in San Antonio under no normal star. Gregg Popovich was not there the day before after the death of his wife Erin and was represented by his assistant coach Ettore Messina, there was an emotional atmosphere in the hall – on both sides. Warrior coach Steve Kerr also spoke about Erin Popovich before the game and once again expressed his sympathy to his mentor and colleague Popovich.
Of course, basketball was also played. After the two defeats in Oakland, the Spurs needed a win to keep the series open somehow, and so they performed: With a lot of heart, a lot of energy and a lot of bite. At the break they were still on 6 points and it seemed as if they could give the Warriors at least once more a real battle.
But with time, what you could already see about the first two games came back. San Antonio simply does not have the means to permanently endanger Golden State, at least not without Kawhi Leonard. They could play in such a disciplined way – when Kevin Durant and Co. are on the other side, there is still a talent deficit.
The Warriors did not play outstandingly, but they made relatively few mistakes and attracted when the opportunity presented itself. After the third quarter they were leading at 12, in the last round they quickly extended their lead thanks to Durant (26 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists) and left no doubt that they would also bag this victory. There were only short exciters at the end, when Durant and Livingston turned over one after the other, but it was probably not so bad for both.
The reigning final MVP Durant was mainly supported by Klay Thompson (19 points), Shaun Livingston came from the bank to 16, Quinn Cook scored 12 points. Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala each scored 10 points.
LaMarcus Aldridge was topscorer in the Spurs with 18 points and got 10 rebounds. Tony Parker (16), Patty Mills (14) and Rudy Gay (11) also landed in Double Figures.
Game 4 of the series will also take place on Sunday evening at 9.30 pm in San Antonio (free live stream on SPOX).