The Golden State Warriors secured their third-straight berth in the Western Conference Finals after a 121-95 win over the Utah Jazz. It was the second-straight sweep for the presumptive favorites to win the NBA title, keyed by an immense, unstoppable run to start the game.
Golden State came into the game on fire, scoring at will against the usually stout defense of the Jazz. After struggling in game three, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson all reverted back to the mean, showcasing their respective talents early and leading a 39-17 charge in the first quarter with zero points coming from Kevin Durant.
The Warriors’ onslaught was mitigated in the second quarter by Dante’s Inferno. Dante Exum came off the bench to provide valuable minutes in the absence of George Hill (due to injury) and Shelvin Mack (due to foul trouble). The seldom-used point guard with little success to start his NBA career was the catalyst behind a Jazz comeback, cutting the deficit to single digits by halftime.
Despite a strong effort from the Jazz – led by Gordon Hayward’s 25 points in what could be his last game in Utah, – they could never get over the hump against the Warriors’ stifling defense combined with its bevy of options on the offensive end of the floor.
Green’s passing, in general, was a major key in the Warriors pulling away late, notably keying a huge run at the end of the third quarter to effectively put the Jazz out of range. Green finished the game with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
The Warriors will await the winner of the Spurs and Rockets series in the Western Conference Finals, having reached the third round for the third straight year.
