NBA Playoffs: Warriors vs. Trail Blazers Game 5 recap, full highlights

The Golden State Warriors held off the pesky Portland Trail Blazers to win Game 5 and advance to the Western Conference Finals.

After Stephen Curry returned in epic fashion in Game 4 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers, everyone thought that the Warriors would cruise to an easy win in Game 5 and finish off the Portland Trail Blazers once and for all.

The Trail Blazers weren’t just going to roll over for the Warriors like the Houston Rockets did in the first round. From the very beginning, the Trail Blazers were red hot from the field thanks to Damian Lillard.

For the fourth straight playoff game, the Warriors trailed at the half and they had a multitude of issues. Klay Thompson was in foul trouble, they were giving up offensive rebounds all over the place with Andrew Bogut limping off the court and Al-Farouq Aminu was having the shooting night of his life.

In fact, many Trail Blazers had the shooting night of their life. Allen Crabbe had a fantastic night shooting as well and that’s what kept the two teams neck and neck heading into the final frame of action.

In the fourth quarter, the Warriors would finally take a little bit of a lead behind the play of Marreesse Speights and a big bucket from Stephen Curry.

For the Warriors, it was the shooting and defense of Thompson in the second half that propelled them. Thompson was hot from beyond the arc and he did a great job slowing down Lillard in the second half, after he had a huge first half.

Late in the game, C.J. McCollum would hit a huge three to cut the deficit to four. McCollum would then follow it up with a layup and a free throw to make it a one-point game.

In true Warriors fashion, Andre Iguodala and Curry would then each hit big threes to extend their lead. McCollum would hit a pair of big shots again and with over a minute left, the Trail Blazers would pull within two

With under 30 second remaining, Curry would pull back and hit the dagger three. They would exchange free throws with the Trail Blazers the rest of the way and hold on, as they advanced to the Western Conference Finals.

Full Highlights

Three Stars

3. C.J. McCollum

McCollum kept the Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter by driving to the hoop and with his outside shooting. It was a fantastic showing for him.

2. Klay Thompson

Thompson kept the Warriors in it early when Portland had a double-digit lead. He was unbelievable from beyond the arc.

1. Stephen Curry

The Warriors got the big shots from their MVP late when they needed it. He stepped up when it mattered most and led the way.

Betting Odds

The Warriors came into the game as 13.5-point favorites. Even though they won, they did not cover the spread.

What’s Next?

The Warriors have advanced to the Western Conference Finals and will play either the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs

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