Like previous years, it doesn’t seem like anything is stopping the Golden State Warriors. Even without Kevin Durant, the Warriors just have so many weapons to beat any team. If Steph Curry doesn’t beat you, it’s Draymond Green. If it’s not Draymond Green, it’s Klay Thompson.
Anyway, for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, it was all about Draymond Green. Green recorded his third triple double of the NBA Playoffs as the Warriors came back from being down 18 at one point to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 110-99. Green ended his night with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists. Curry was also on fire, dropping 36 in the win.
Despite being down 2-0, the Blazers knew they were heading home and had an opportunity to cut into the Warriors’ lead. Game 3 would be the pivotal game to see if we would have a series or if there would be a risk of a sweep.
It was really a tale of two halves. The first half was all Portland, who were really taking it to Golden State. At one point, the Blazers were up 18 and ended the first half up 13. But just like in Game 2, Portland seemed to slip in the second half and Golden State clawed back to win. In Game 2, the Warriors outscored the Blazers 64-46 to win by three. Tonight, the Blazers were outscored 57-33 and lost by 11 after being up 18.
This is another let down loss by Portland after having a big lead. It might be unfair to say they’re choking because these are the back-to-back champs and are capable of turning it on like this in the blink of an eye regardless of how their opponents play but this doesn’t make things any less disheartening for the Trail Blazers. Damian Lillard is going to have to be his very best to prevent Portland from getting swept by the champs.
Now, the Warriors are one win away from going to the NBA Finals. Up 3-0, Golden State can clinch Monday in Portland. For the best lines to that game, check out the nba odds. If Portland can pull out a win, it’ll still be difficult but they’ll remain alive. And worse comes to worse, we’ll be able to make 3-1 jokes for at least a couple days.
