What did we learn from the Warriors escaping the Rockets?

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 20: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the game against the Houston Rockets during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 20, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Klay Thompson is the real MVP and four other takeaways from the Golden State Warriors defeating the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference Finals.

For the fourth straight season, the Golden State Warriors are heading to the NBA Finals. Unlike last year, where they ran through the Western Conference without suffering a single loss, it took them seven games to beat the Houston Rockets in the Conference Finals. But they got it done thanks to four All-Stars and one major injury.

Many suspect the Warriors would run away with the series after Game 1. They won by double-digits despite a poor shooting night from Steph Curry and an excellent game by James Harden. Houston responded in Game 2 with a 22-point victory. They were written off again after losing by 41 in Game 3. But back-to-back clutch wins had Golden State on the brink of elimination.

An injury to Chris Paul swung things in Golden State’s favor. They made no mistakes in the second half of Games 6 and 7. Here are five takeaways from the Warriors outlasting the Rockets and setting up another showdown with the Cavaliers

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