The Golden State Warriors played their worst game of the postseason, yet still found a way to take a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Utah Jazz with a 102-91 win. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a series in NBA history.
Led by Kevin Durant's 38 points and 13 rebounds, the Warriors shook off their first deficit of the series - one that stretched into the fourth quarter - and used a 13-2 run in that final frame to escape with the win. They still have not lost in the postseason.
Kevin. Durant. #DubNation#NBAonABC pic.twitter.com/CQjlCkQxOE
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2017
Early on, it looked like Golden State was going to roll to an easy win. They took a double-digit lead in the first quarter - something they have done every game this series - but then Utah caught fire and outscored the Warriors 33-22 in the second quarter to take a 50-49 lead into the break.
Utah turns a steal into a fast break slam by Gobert at the other end! #TakeNote #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #WarriorsJazz pic.twitter.com/XETR1MQHRn
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 7, 2017
Rudy Gobert gets the offensive rebound and throws it down...with AUTHORITY! #TakeNote #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #WarriorsJazz pic.twitter.com/PNIveV2FD8
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 7, 2017
Utah then opened the third quarter on a 12-4 run to take a 62-53 lead, their biggest advantage of the game. Naturally, Golden State immediately responded with a 12-4 run of their own, re-taking the lead and setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
JaVale McGee denies Joe Ingles at the rim, which leads to a Stephen Curry three on the other end! #DubNation #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #WarriorsJazz pic.twitter.com/TFkmZzWt0l
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 7, 2017
Draymond Green throws it up, Andre Iguodala slams it DOWN! #DubNation #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #WarriorsJazz pic.twitter.com/qbOGejxxjl
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 7, 2017
Both sides continued to trade the lead back and forth in the fourth quarter until the Warriors caught fire down the stretch.
Curry played better in the second half to help Durant carry Golden State's offense, but finishing with 23 points on just 6-20 shooting. Andre Iguodala (11 points) was the only other player in double digits.
Rudy Gobert stepped up in a big way for the Jazz, recording 21 points with 15 rebounds. Gordon Hayward also scored 29 points as all five Jazz starters scored in double figures, but their bench contributed just 10 points.
Game 4 will be Monday at 9:00 pm ET on TNT.
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