Golden State Warriors: 15 Greatest NBA playoff moments
By Tony Pesta
8. 2018 Western Conference Finals: Warriors win hard-fought Game 7 versus Houston Rockets
In Kevin Durant’s first season with the Golden State Warriors, the Dubs coasted to a championship. They won 67 games in the regular season and only lost one playoff game on their way to capturing the title.
In contrast, Durant’s second season with the Warriors proved to be a much tougher challenge. The NBA was ready for the Warriors this time and had an entire year to plan for them. One team, the Houston Rockets, had built themselves particularly with the goal of dethroning the Dubs.
With MVP winner James Harden leading the way, the Rockets structured a team of two-way players that could shoot the 3-pointer and defend multiple positions. With Clint Capela controlling the glass and Chris Paul helping to take pressure off of Harden, this team was a serious threat to the Warriors.
When the Rockets and Dubs finally met in the Western Conference Finals, it was a bloodbath. Each team traded blows, splitting the first four games at two wins apiece. Houston would go on to win the pivotal Game 5 and take a 3-2 lead in the series.
With their backs against the wall, the Warriors responded in a huge way. Klay Thompson carried the Dubs with 35 points and led them to a 115-89 victory to force a Game 7.
The final game of the series was one of the most memorable games in recent NBA history. The Rockets seemingly had the series wrapped up with a 15 point lead, before going on to miss a league record 27 consecutive 3-pointers.
The Warriors capitalized on this opportunity and began their run in the second half. Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry combined for 61 points and helped lift the Warriors over the Rockets in Game 7. Golden State would go on to sweep the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.