Warriors defeat Thunder, force Game 7; Quotes of the night
The Golden State Warriors forced Game 7 after an instant classic. Here are some of the best quotes.
For the second time in three nights, the Golden State Warriors handled business.
In what was an instant classic, the defending champs prevailed in their second consecutive must-win of the year. The Warriors silenced one of the loudest crowds in the whole Association, one that was busting with the energy provided by being just 48 minutes away from a trip to the NBA Finals.
Unfortunately for the fans in the Chesapeake Energy Arena, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are not ready to go home yet. The Golden State Warriors left OKC with a 108-101 victory to force a Game 7 back at Oracle Arena.
Draymond Green was very succinct in his assessment of the game.
Draymond: "Game 5 was a battle. This was a war."
— Ethan Strauss (@SherwoodStrauss) May 29, 2016
This was a physical one. Every loose ball and rebound was a tough one to secure. Bodies were flying all over.
Steve Kerr might have actually outdone Green for most obvious statement of the night.
Steve Kerr: "Well obviously, Klay Thompson was ridiculous."
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 29, 2016
Kerr is no stranger to high-pressure postseason moments, having played and called some of the greatest playoff games in league history.
Steve Kerr: “Game 7s…they’re fun.” I’m amazed how often he calls the playoffs “fun.” I think it helps his team’s mindset
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) May 29, 2016
The Warriors play best when they’re having fun and they’re loose.
The Oklahoma City Thunder also like to play freely. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are dynamic players that love to have the spotlight. Despite being on the road, Game 7’s are fun. Thunder head coach Billy Donovan is excited.
Billy Donovan on Game 7: "We've been able to play toe to toe with them. I think that's why there is some level of excitement from our guys."
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 29, 2016
Thompson had one of the greatest postseason performances we have ever seen. He scored an incredible 41 points, knocking down jaw-dropping shot after jaw-dropping shot. He hit 11 three-pointers, a playoff record, and each one was absolutely spectacular. But when you’re a great shooter like he is, you expect every shot to go in.
Klay Thompson on his record-setting 11 threes: "I should've had at least 13. Missed some wide open ones early."
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 29, 2016
The Warriors are going home to the most electric arena in the Association to play a Game 7. Golden State has one of the best home court advantages in the league. But they, shockingly, dropped the first game of this series. After building a double-digit halftime lead in Game 1, Westbrook and Durant ripped it right out of the Warriors’ hands.
Steph: "We can't just assume because we're going home, and it's Game 7, we can just show up."
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 29, 2016
Curry knows what’s at stake. Home court advantage is just that: an advantage, not a guarantee. Going home to the friendly confines of Oracle Arena doesn’t mean the Warriors are guaranteed a trip to the NBA Finals.
That was probably the biggest win in Golden State Warriors franchise history. Owner Joe Lacob, who was very expressive after the game, agrees.
Just spoke to Joe Lacob, who said this was the greatest game of his ownership tenure, which it clearly was.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 29, 2016
The Warriors are 48 minutes away from their consecutive NBA Finals appearances. The Thunder finally have their backs against the wall. OKC has, for the most part, played with more energy than Golden State. They’ll surely be ready for Game 7 in a hostile environment on Monday.
It will be the end of one of the best playoff series we’ve ever seen.