Tuesday 23 May 2017 07:16, UK
Stephen Curry scored 36 points as the Golden State Warriors closed out the Western Conference Final with a 129-115 victory over San Antonio Spurs.
They became the first team in league history to start the playoffs 12-0 as they cruised to their third successive NBA Finals and face another possible showdown with Cleveland, who lead Boston 2-1 in the East finals.
"It's great to be one of the last two teams standing, we'll see how it goes," said Kevin Durant, who had 29 points and 12 rebounds.
San Antonio's only lead came on the opening possession with a left-handed scoop shot from Manu Ginobili, who started in what could be his final game with the team.
"An amazing competitor, even more fun playing against him," Durant said of Ginobili. "He was phenomenal this series."
Kyle Anderson scored 20 points to lead the Spurs, who were without Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker and David Lee. They did not go down without a fight, despite the injuries.
Anderson dove on the court for a loose ball that the Spurs had tipped away defensively, pushing the ball upcourt to Patty Mills who fed Ginobili for a three-pointer that pulled San Antonio to 108-94 with seven minutes left.
The effort seemed to delight Spurs coach Gregg Popovich courtside, but the Warriors' depth and talent proved too much for short-handed San Antonio.
Golden State shot 56 percent and were 14 for 39 on three-pointers. Draymond Green had 16 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the Warriors.
Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge closed out a disappointing series with his second eight-point effort against the Warriors. Ginobili finished with 15 points in 32 minutes.
