Golden State Warriors Seek to Punch Ticket to Conference Semifinals
Golden State had a 3-0 advantage in the series and the Spurs on the ropes. Rather than putting things away, the Warriors reverted to their performances late in the regular season and had a dismal offensive showing, easily their worst in the series. Golden State now returns home as the team looks to close out the series and move on to the conference semifinals as they attempt to pursue a fourth straight appearance in the NBA Finals. Will the Warriors get back on track after their lousy showing in Game 4 and put things away or will they struggle again and let the Spurs back into the series?
The Warriors were barely slowed by San Antonio’s defense in the series before Game 4. Golden State is shooting 48.6 percent from the floor and knocks down 37.2 percent of their three point attempts so far. The Warriors shot just 37.8 percent from the field in Game 4 and went a miserable seven of 28 from three point range in the game. Golden State sank 15 of 17 free throws and turned the ball over 16 times in the game while winning the rebounding battle 61-34, including 24 offensive boards. Kevin Durant led the Warriors with 34 points and 13 rebounds in the loss. Klay Thompson finished with 12 points but hit only four of 16 from the floor while Shaun Livingston chipped in 10 off the bench. Draymond Green finished with nine points to go with 18 rebounds and nine assists though he shot just four of 14 from the floor.
Trends:
San Antonio
- Spurs are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game
- Spurs are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 1 day of rest
- Spurs are 0-9 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a winning home record
Golden State
- Warriors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss
- Warriors are 26-8 ATS in their last 34 Conference Quarterfinals games
San Antonio managed to claw their way to a win in Game 4 but that came because of the Warriors being cold from the floor plus the Spurs hitting a bunch of three pointers. One can’t expect San Antonio to have that kind of success from the perimeter as they did in Game 4. Golden State is at home here and they have been good at the Oracle Arena this season. San Antonio doesn’t have the depth and the weapons to hang on the road: Golden State closes the series with a win here.