fbpx
Skip to main content

Warriors, Blazers Started NBA Playoffs Early

If you had the pleasure of watching the Golden State Warriors and Portland Blazers play basketball Sunday evening, you’re probably more excited than ever for the NBA Playoffs in the Western Conference to get started next weekend. These two playoff-bound conference rivals matched up against one another in what was arguably the best game of the season around the Association. 

Stephen Curry, continuing his MVP-caliber season, put up 47 points on 16-of-29 shooting, including 7-of-14 from the three-point line, to lead the Warriors in a valiant fourth quarter comeback attempt that ended up falling short in overtime.

Trading basket for basket all the way down to the final shot of overtime, a three-point miss by Andre Iguodala to give the Blazers a 119-117 win, these two teams went at it like they were playing for a shot to go to the NBA Finals in June. With a total of 12 lead changes in the fourth quarter and overtime, Curry went up against the likes of LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews to keep the game close. In the end, it was Curry passing up on what would have been a game-winning three pointer that sealed the Warriors’ fate.

The win enabled Portland to guarantee itself at least the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference and a first-round matchup with the Houston Rockets. More than that, it kept the Blazers alive for the fourth seed and home-court advantage in that series. For Golden State, the loss means that it will be no better than the sixth seed and will likely be taking on the cross-state Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. The Warriors must win one of their final two games in order to make that inevitability a reality.

Towards the end of the game and in overtime, it became readily apparent that we were in the midst of watching something special. Fans for both sides were awestruck at what was taking place on their television sets. Blazers’ fans tipped their caps to Curry’s hot hand, indicating how unstoppable he has become. Meanwhile, Warriors fans enjoyed the give-and-take that came with going up against one of the best teams in the conference on the road with playoff implications on the line.

Neither the Warriors or Blazers have been fixtures in the NBA playoffs recently. Golden State had missed out on the second season in 16 of the previous 17 years prior to earning a surprise trip last season. It’s the first time since the early 1990’s that the Warriors have earned back-to-back trips to the playoffs. Portland, seemingly in the process of a rather large-scale rebuild, is making just its fourth trip to the postseason since 2002-2003 and its first since 2010-2011.

These two teams are going to be consistent contenders in the West for years to come with their young nucleus. The good news here is that it seems a mutual respect exists, especially after the performance they put on Sunday.

And here is the GIF that goes along with that tweet…

848391290

Let’s just hope we get a repeat performance between Portland and Golden State at some point in the playoffs. As NBA fans, we deserve it. In any event, get excited for the Western Conference Playoffs. It promises to be a hoot and a half.

Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer, USA Today

Mentioned in this article:

More About: