A look at the fan reactions from an epic game.
Well, they did it. The Golden State Warriors, after dispiriting losses in Games 5 and 6, went on the road and clinched their first-round series against the Houston Rockets, winning 103-89 in impressive and emphatic fashion. It booked the Dubs a semifinals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which kicks off on Tuesday night.
Wins are always more fun, and that goes for the reactions as well. So let’s look at how Dub Nation reacted to the action, by looking at comments in the Golden State of Mind game thread.
First quarter: ‘Stop with the stupid passes’
It was clear from the jump that the Warriors had a different energy on Sunday than they had on Friday and Wednesday. There was more life and, on top of that, Jonathan Kuminga made an early appearance as the first sub off the bench. Yet despite all that, the Dubs couldn’t find any offense. They couldn’t get open looks, and had a handful of turnovers. Still, a half-court buzzer-beater by Buddy Hield gave them a 23-19 lead after the opening frame.
Second quarter: ‘Buddy on fire’
Hield’s hot start continued into the second quarter, as he was lighting it up. The Warriors were playing elite defense, and finally started to find an offensive groove, which resulted in a late 12-2 run. Hield dropped in 22 points in the half, and Curry scored his first points on a deep three to start a two-for-one. Golden State led 51-39 at halftime, and had all the momentum.
Third quarter: ‘Could have been much much much worse’
The Warriors quickly pushed the lead to 15 points, but then the momentum started to shift. Golden State was throwing the ball over on seemingly every possession, and Amen Thompson was taking over for the Rockets. The Rockets used a 14-4 run to get right back in the game, which slowed to a halt. But the Warriors made a great recovery, and found themselves as the quarter came to a close. They led 70-62 going into what had the potential to be the final quarter of the season.
Fourth quarter: ‘Enjoy Cancun’
The Dubs saved their best for the very end. Curry took over to open the quarter, and the Rockets started to look defeated. Then Jimmy Butler III took over, and you could see that the game was over. The Rockets lost all of their spirit as the Dubs went on a 12-0 run to take a 20-point lead and cruise into the second round.