8:02 pm | April 7, 2019 | Go to Source | Author:
OAKLAND, Calif. — The Golden State Warriors clinched the No. 1 seed throughout the Western Conference playoffs with a 131-104 blowout win over the LA Clippers on Sunday night.
The Warriors, who had been battling with the Denver Nuggets for the top spot over the past few months, were led by Stephen Curry, who scored 27 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists, while Kevin Durant added 16 points and seven assists.
Sunday’s game took on added meaning for the Warriors given that it was the final regular-season game at Oracle Arena. The Warriors celebrated the occasion by wearing jerseys from the “We Believe” era, which was highlighted by the Warriors defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2007 playoffs, becoming the first 8-seed to knock off a No. 1 seed in a seven-game series.
As Curry took off his warm-up shirt after starting lineup introductions, he smiled wide and joyfully screamed while revealing the jersey.
The crowd was noticeably more energetic at the beginning of the game, especially after a short video tribute to Warriors great Al Attles played after the first time out. Attles, who was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday, has spent over 50 years within the Warriors organization in various roles.
The Warriors have said repeatedly in recent weeks that locking up the 1-seed wasn’t as important as staying healthy down the stretch, but having the comfort of home-court advantage in the final season at Oracle was important to the group. They accomplished that goal on Sunday and now have to wait to find out who they’ll play in the first round next weekend.
The Warriors head into this playoff run hoping to become the first team since the 1960s Boston Celtics to go to the NBA Finals five straight times. The Warriors are also looking to become the first team since the 2000-2002 Los Angeles Lakers to win back-to-back-to-back NBA championships.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said recently that he was hoping he could give some of his core players a little rest heading into the final two games of the regular season. It will be interesting to see who plays and who sits now that the Warriors have earned the top seed. The Warriors close the regular season with a road back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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