Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors' defensive leader, put the team on top with a 3-point shot from the corner and drove the final nail into the coffin of the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers fought hard; they led by 15 points at one time; but they could not overcome the determined efforts of a team used to fighting hard until the final buzzer. Up by 3 games to none, some other team may have yielded the momentum to the Blazers, and taken it easy as they waited for another of 3 more opportunities. But no, the Warriors did not slack off. They wanted this win badly. They wanted to close it out and take a well earned rest as Milwaukee and Toronto battle it out in the East.
Steph Curry played the entire second half. Bench players came and went, each contributing valuable points and valuable support. Coach Kerr appeared relaxed as usual, but rarely took his eyes off his team. He called for time out when he needed to bring his team together for new late game tactics as Portland struggled to gain the upper hand. Coach Kerr called for increased defensive pressure and the effect was immediate. The Blazers could not connect and missed basket after basket as their shooting fell apart. No matter what they tried, the Warriors had an answer. As the Blazers pressured the 3-point line, the Warriors drove the lane and took two points. These added up, and the Oregonians became desperate, taking frantic shots that went for naught.
At the end, the Warriors were satisfied, but they knew they played an excellent team. Portland had given battle, but it was not enough. For them, next year will come. For Golden State, the Finals in 9 days.
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