By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Golden State Warriors completed their comeback against the Denver Nuggets and eliminated them in Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round playoffs, 102-98, while the Milwaukee Bucks proved to be too much for the Chicago Bulls and demolished them, 116-100, to punch a semifinals ticket in the Eastern Conference.
Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green had to overcome a courageous Denver run in Game 5 and had to claw their way back after trailing by as much as nine points.
Demarcus Cousins had a night to remember and played hero ball when reigning MVP Nikola Jokic was in foul trouble after dropping 19 points and four rebounds.
Denver’s excellent team rebounding posed problems for Golden State early on and were man-handled in the second-chance points department.
However, Steve Kerr and the rest of the Warriors suddenly flipped the switch and played their brand of basketball for 12 straight minutes.
Gary Payton II was the difference-maker in the game as the defensive-minded rookie chipped in 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.
Aside from his defensive tenacity, Payton II’s offense came alive and even sank timely answers to Denver’s offensive baskets when they were making their run.
Curry and Thompson then iced the game as the splash brothers combined for 45 points on 6/12 shooting from the three-point land.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks dismantled the Chicago Bulls and set up a highly-anticipated semifinals clash against the Boston Celtics.
There was nothing that the Bulls can do from the get-go as Milwaukee immediately led by double-digits at the end of the first two quarters.
Giannis Antetokounmpo made sure they’ll finish the series on their home floor and displayed another masterpiece performance after finishing with 33 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.
Pat Connaughton also came alive in the crucial Game 5 and contributed 20 huge points built from his six drained three-pointers.
For the second-straight time in the series, Chicago’s DeMar Derozan was shut down to just 11 points and only attempted 10 total field goals.
The Bulls headed to Milwaukee with bad news after superstar shooting guard Zach Lavine reportedly entered the NBA’s COVID-19 facility and wasn’t able to help his team extend the series.
Defensive guard Alex Caruso also didn’t play for Chicago after results showed that he had a head concussion and was advised to sit out of the game.
