The Golden State Warriors erased a 13-point deficit in the final 10 minutes on Wednesday night, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in a single-elimination play-in game and moving on to a winner-takes-all matchup in Phoenix on Friday for the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed.
Stephen Curry shook off an eight-point first half by pouring in 27 after intermission, while Draymond Green anchored the defense down the stretch. Head coach Steve Kerr called the effort “an incredible display of guts and competitiveness,” adding, “Draymond is the best defender I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Green locks down Leonard
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Green guarded Kawhi Leonard on 12 fourth-quarter half-court possessions without allowing the Clippers star to attempt a shot. The veteran forward capped the night with two steals in the final minute—one on an inbound pass that led to a Brandin Podziemski three-point play, and another clean strip of Leonard as Los Angeles tried to rally from six points down.
“They had a great game plan,” Leonard said, crediting Green’s Hall of Fame–caliber defense.
Supporting cast steps up
Golden State’s comeback was aided by 20 points, six rebounds and five assists from rookie Gui Santos. Kristaps Porzingis contributed 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks but left the arena with noticeable right ankle soreness; he is listed as questionable for Friday. Al Horford, scoreless from deep through three quarters, buried all four of his fourth-quarter three-point attempts after encouragement from Curry and Green.
Kerr’s future on hold
Kerr, coaching on an expiring contract, told reporters he will not address his future until after the season ends. The longtime Warriors coach called Wednesday’s victory “right up there” with the franchise’s biggest wins, citing age, injuries and a season of inconsistent play.
Payton on possible Seattle return
Guard Gary Payton II, a Seattle native and the son of SuperSonics legend Gary Payton, told RG.org’s Mark Medina he hopes to suit up for an expansion team in his hometown if the NBA awards the city a franchise. “It’s about time,” Payton said.
Golden State meets the Suns on Friday at Footprint Center, with the winner claiming the final playoff berth in the West.
Source: Hoops Rumors
