Golden State Warriors registered a 120-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals to eliminate the opponents and enter the NBA Finals for the first time since 2019. The last couple of seasons wasn’t the best for the Dubs but they have turned the tables in the ongoing edition of the NBA.
In fact, GSW has dominated the NBA in the last eight years and this will be their sixth NBA finals appearance in the said period. The last couple of seasons were tough on them because of multiple injuries to their key players such as Klay Thompson but they have bounced back in style.
“Tonight was different because we’ve done it before,” Kerr said. “But in a different way, it was incredibly meaningful given everything that we’ve been through organizationally over the last couple of years.”
Meanwhile, Steph Curry had issued a warning last year as he had said, “You don’t want to see us next year.” Curry revealed it was a message to themselves rather than anybody else.
“It was more just a message for us,” Curry said. “It wasn’t for anybody else. It was a message for us to stay locked on the opportunity that was coming our way because we had built such a good momentum finishing the years, reestablishing what Warriors basketball was.”
On the other hand, Klay Thompson returned back to action after a long hiatus of 941 days due to an ACL injury. Thompson took his time in hitting the ground running but he has been instrumental in the success of the team since he joined his teammates.
“I’m happy for everybody … [but] it’s hard not to be most excited for Klay,” Kerr said. “The fight that he’s been through to get back to this point. Just an incredible accomplishment for him. For him to be a part of it, he’s so happy again. It’s wonderful to see.”
Thompson was at his best in Game 5 as he top-scored with 32 points on 12-of-25 shooting, including eight three-pointers.
“I dreamt about this day,” Thompson said. “Just my appreciation for moving my body again, I thought about that. I thought about those days I couldn’t run or jump, how lucky we are to do what we do. Just to be here again wearing this [Western Conference Champion] shirt, wear this [NBA Finals] hat, I mean, I dreamt of this.”
GSW will either face Miami Heat or Boston Celtics in the NBA finals.
