The Golden State Warriors have returned impressively and won 118:92 game 4 against the New Orleans Pelicans (BOXSCORE). Kevin Durant was unstoppable and mercilessly exposed the mistakes in NOLA’s defensive strategy. The Dubs are now leading the series 3:1 and are about to enter the Conference Finals.
Andre Iguodala returned to the Starting Five of the Dubs, JaVale McGee took his seat on the bench again. And the change paid off directly: Golden State had a defensively intensive start and after 4 minutes only 4 points were allowed. On the other hand, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson met early threesomes and Durant was also in rhythm. This quickly resulted in a double-digit lead. As Draymond Green sunk his triples, the Pels were completely destroyed: 37:22 Golden State after 12 minutes.
The Pels were better in the second quarter. Among other things, a three-man Rajon Rondo also brought back the hall, plus a few offensive rebounds and many free throws. However, the defending champion was not distracted and hit difficult litters in the person of Thompson and KD. Then came a double appearance by Anthony Davis: In front he completed a praise from Jrue Holiday, in the back he spectacularly blocked Kevon Looney away. It was his team’s turn, Steph meanwhile cold: 61:54 at the break.
After the break tea many Pels fans had not yet taken their places again, there it was Golden States again 15 points ahead, which took advantage of a sleepy transition defense several times. And it remained: Many litters of Thompson and KD were well defended, but they simply hit anyway. The motto “good offense beats good defense” was confirmed in many half-field attacks by the Warriors. The meanwhile brand hot KD increased the lead to over 20 points. With a 94:73 it went into the final section.
This one was out of breath. It took some time until the “official” garbage time, because the Pels didn’t give up hope and the Warriors didn’t want to let anything burn – but 4 minutes before the end the benches on both sides were tidied up. Just curry was allowed to stay on and find its rhythm. The Warriors won 118:92.
The outstanding Durant had 38 points (15/27 FG), 9 rebounds and 5 assists in the end, Curry had 23 points (4/9 3FG), Thompson was 13. on the other hand Davis did not deliver his most efficient game (26 points, 12 rebounds, 8/22 FG, 6 TO), E’Twaun Moore was 20, Holiday 19 points.
With a home win in Game 5 on the night of Wednesday, the Warriors can make the entry into the Conference Finals perfect.
New Orleans Pelicans – Golden State Warriors 92:118, Series 1:3 (BOXSCORE)
He had been criticized after game 3 for acting too passively and taking too little responsibility. His response to this was deeply impressive: When he was on the floor, he initiated almost every attack by his team, exploited mismatches, hit difficult throws or, in case of doubt, used his teammates. Since he also did his duty in rebounding, he had decided the game so early that he was allowed to sit almost the entire fourth quarter.
He had many mismatches in the mail, but did not dare to exploit them. Too often, when the Warriors only deceived a double team, he passed the ball in a rush. He also stayed cold from a distance.
Defensive cross-matchups on both sides have been frequent in the previous series. This was also the main reason for the outcome of this game: Holiday was set to Durant. But that didn’t work at all: KD kept going to the post office, patiently positioned himself and met one Fadeaway after another about the bravely struggling but too small holiday. Pels coach Alvin Gentry should have reacted earlier and let Davis go on KD, even if it would have burned the brow. More double teams wouldn’t have hurt either – but the reigning finals MVP ran completely hot.