The Golden State Warriors brushed New Orleans Pelicans aside 4-0 to become the first team to secure a Conference semi-final spot in this season’s NBA playoffs.
The Western Conference top seeds won their home games comfortably but needed overtime in their first match in New Orleans.
Golden State’s win on Saturday to seal the series was more straightforward as they claimed a 109-98 victory at the Smoothie King Center, with MVP contender Stephen Curry leading the way in both points (39) and assists (9).
The Warriors will now face either Portland Trail Blazers or Memphis Grizzlies in the Conference semi-finals, with the Grizzlies well placed to win the series as they lead 3-0 ahead of Tuesday’s Game 4.
Pelicans coach Monty Williams had no complaints over his side’s defeat and he feels Golden State are legitimate contenders for the NBA’s top prize.
“They’re built to win a championship. They’re probably the most complete team that we faced, them and San Antonio,” said Williams.
“I had to watch games that they lost just to see what teams did against them because you just don’t see it when they’re winning games. You’re like, ‘Where’s the weakness?’ So to me, they just don’t have many weaknesses, if any. Obviously they’re well coached and they have great players.”
In the Eastern Conference the Chicago Bulls were forced to play at least one more game by the Milwaukee Bucks as they slipped to a 92-90 defeat, while the Cleveland Cavaliers can move into the next round on Sunday if they beat the Boston Celtics as they head into the clash with a 3-0 series lead.
The Cavs are 1.30 to win Sunday’s match while the Celtics can be backed at 3.30.
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