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) /

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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 01: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 1, 2018 in Oakland, California. The basket was his first attempt after returning from an injury. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

4. The third quarter run

All season, we’ve heard about, and seen, the vaunted third quarter run by the Warriors. The best teams in the league always managed to win the third quarter. It’s the quarter where you can turn close games at halftime into blowouts or climb your way back from a large halftime deficit.

Golden State was the highest-scoring team in the third quarter during the regular season. The Pelicans were 21st. The difference between the two teams showed in this series.

The three blowout victories by the Warriors? They outscored New Orleans 96-57 in the third quarter of those games. They held the Pelicans to 19 points in all three third quarters. Ironically, in the one game the Warriors lost, they were outscored 30-19 in the third quarter. Let that be a lesson moving forward. If you score exactly 19 points in third quarter, you automatically lose. The NBA should be passing this rule in the offseason.

The Warriors efficiency in the third quarter speaks volumes about their coaching staff. Steve Kerr is one of the best coaches in the league at making adjustments and getting his team prepared. That, and Draymond Green yells at everyone on the team during halftime. He’s a very loud man.

Looking ahead, the Rockets were the third best scoring team in the third and were second in scoring margin behind the Warriors. So, if you can only watch one quarter per game of the Western Conference Finals, make sure it’s the third.

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