NBA: Lou Williams, Clippers shock Warriors
http://www.hrlnews.com/2019/04/nba-lou-williams-clippers-shock-warriors.html
Lou Williams exploded off the bench for 33 points as the Los Angeles
Clippers upset the top-seeded Golden State Warriors 129-121 to keep
their NBA playoff series alive on Wednesday.
Williams finished with four rebounds and 10 assists on a night when
the Clippers’ strength in depth thwarted a 45-point display from Kevin
Durant to frustrate the Warriors hopes of wrapping up a series victory.
Williams made 12 of 19 attempts from the field while Montrezl Harrell
delivered a huge performance off the bench as well, shooting 11-of-14
to finish with 24 points.
Point guard Patrick Beverley had 14 rebounds as the Clippers pulled
the series back to 3-2 before game six in Los Angeles on Friday.
The Warriors had earlier threatened to cut loose in a high-scoring first quarter, piling on 41 points.
But Clippers were able to exploit an uneven Warriors defensive
display to remain within striking distance, restricting the reigning NBA
champions to a four-point lead heading into the second quarter.
The visitors outscored the Warriors 34-22 to take a 71-63 half-time lead and from that point Golden State were chasing the game.
The Clippers opened up a 15-point lead early in the third quarter and
they kept the Warriors at arms length until Durant inspired a late run
in the fourth.
A spectacular driving dunk by Durant edged Golden State 118-117 ahead
with 2:40 remaining in the fourth as the momentum seemed to have
shifted to the Warriors.
But Williams drained a three-pointer and forced a foul for a
four-point play and the Clippers were suddenly back in front at 121-118.
Two more jumpers from Williams stretched the lead to 125-118 with
just over a minute left before Danilo Gallinari’s running layup put the
Clippers nine points clear.
AFP