The Golden State Warriors dominated the Memphis Grizzlies for the second game in a row, taking Game 5 by a score of 98-78 on Wednesday. Stephen Curry (18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, six steals) and Klay Thompson (21 points, four rebounds, five assists) continually made shots that were exhilarating or demoralizing depending on your rooting interest, and Memphis failed to figure out that great Golden State defense. The Warriors are one win away from the Conference Finals.
Here's what we learned.
1. GRIT AND GOLD
When the Grizzlies were up 2-1, the story was how they were taking the Warriors out of their rhythm. The story since should be about Golden State getting its grind on. Memphis head coach Dave Joerger said after Game 4 that his team would need to score 100 points at some point in the series, and then it scored 78 points the next game.
Thompson did incredible work stifling Mike Conley. Andrew Bogut and Draymond Green should both be yelling, "First Team All-Defense." It's unfair for opposing point guards and wings that both Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston come off the bench and swarm them. And then there's a certain third-year forward who is stepping up at the right time ...
2. HELLO, HARRY BARNES
Harrison Barnes had some memorable moments in the playoffs two years ago, but what's happening here is far more meaningful. He's been tough as nails on defense all series, battling with the sturdy Zach Randolph and rarely looking winded. Barnes was once looked at as a future star, but has evolved into an extremely valuable glue guy.
Perhaps even more than Thompson and Green, Barnes has benefited from Steve Kerr's presence in the Bay Area. His 14 points don't jump off the page, but he scored them on eight field goal attempts and showed absolutely no hesitation. Grizzlies fans are going to have nightmares about him, and Warriors fans are just hoping this version of Barnes is here to stay.
3. THE GRIZZLIES HAVE NO ANSWERS
Imagine how frustrated you'd be if you were Joerger. Tony Allen or no Tony Allen (he missed the game due to a hamstring injury), there's only so much Memphis can do against this Golden State team. You can make as many strategic adjustments as you want, but it's extremely tough for anybody to handle the Warriors when Curry and Thompson go 9-for-17 from deep. Kerr said he didn't even think his team's execution was that good offensively, which was an accurate assessment. His players made shots anyway.
The Grizzlies shot 39.8 percent from the field in Game 5. We've certainly seen them play much better offensively. Maybe they can make one last stand on Friday at home. Maybe they can push this to seven games. Golden State is the more talented team, though, and its 3-point attack is inherently terrifying. With the Warriors also playing championship-level defense, Memphis is likely to remain stuck in the mud.
The @warriors run an unconventional fastbreak..and it ends in a Steph Curry triple! #NBARapidReplay http://t.co/bhQw1CCLDB
— NBA (@NBA) May 14, 2015SERIES SCHEDULE, RESULTS
Game 1 - Sunday, May 3
Golden State 101, Memphis 86
Game 2 - Tuesday, May 5
Memphis 97, Golden State 90
Game 3 - Saturday, May 9
Memphis 99, Golden State 89
Game 4 - Monday, May 11
Golden State 101, Memphis 84
Game 5 - Wednesday, May 13
Golden State 98, Memphis 78 -- Golden State leads series 3-2
Game 6 - Friday, May 15
Golden State at Memphis, 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 7 * Sunday, May 17
Memphis at Golden State, TBD - If necessary
