5 things we learned from the Warriors decimating the Pelicans
![NEW ORLEANS, LA - MAY 06: Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) looks to pass the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA on May 06, 2018. (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) NEW ORLEANS, LA - MAY 06: Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) looks to pass the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA on May 06, 2018. (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1a76312de9ead4f76f0709a778fe545e3d2e4842f9c7626f8a02f50b0127b64d.jpg)
What did we learn from the five-game series between the Warriors and Pelicans? Great players and great teams are still great.
The Warriors looked like the defending NBA Champions with their five-game gentlemen’s sweep over the Pelicans.
The Pelicans surprised just about everyone with their first round sweep of the Trail Blazers. The Warriors didn’t struggle against the Spurs, but the health of Steph Curry was a question mark heading into the second round.
Curry missed Game 1 and came off the bench in Game 2. By the end of Game 5, he looked like the guy who revolutionized basketball just a few short seasons ago. As a result, the Warriors regained their swagger and reminded the basketball world that the regular season was an extended nap. Now, the giant has re-awoken.
Despite their first round success, the Pelicans never really stood a chance in this series. Jrue Holiday emerged as worth co-star alongside Anthony Davis, but the rest of the team could not measure up. Even the playoff version of Rajon Rondo ran out of gas by the end of the series.
Now, the Pelicans face an offseason of uncertainty. DeMarcus Cousins, who missed the second half of the season with a ruptured Achilles, is set to become a free agent. His decision could change the course of their entire franchise.
As for the Warriors, they’re moving on to their fourth straight Western Conference Finals. They’re 3-0 in the previous three seasons. They’ve lost only two playoff games in the past two seasons when all four All-Stars are healthy. They’re good. But we knew that.