Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from Game 5 stunner vs. Clippers

What was supposed to be a clincher for the Golden State Warriors turned into a shocking and disappointing Game 5 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

After the Houston Rockets advanced to the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs Wednesday night, many expected the Golden State Warriors to follow suit soon after. Instead, they will head back to the City of Angels for another battle following their 129-121 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5.

After falling behind by four to end the first quarter, the Clippers went into halftime up eight thanks to a 34-22 advantage in the second frame. Throughout the second half, they withstood a number of Warrior runs. Golden State would take a brief one-point lead late, only to see L.A. score 10 unanswered points to seal the victory.

Kevin Durant was once again phenomenal for the Dubs. He scored a career playoff-high 45 points along with six rebounds and six assists. Klay Thompson continued his momentum from Game 4 with 22 points and four 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry was fairly pedestrian by his MVP-level standards with 24 points, taking only 13 shots in the process.

For Los Angeles, Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell were phenomenal off the bench. The duo combined for 57 points on 23-of-33 shooting. Williams chipped in 10 assists as well, and Danilo Gallinari was excellent with 26 points of his own.

It was the Game 2 loss that re-energized the Warriors, and in what is sure to be a raucous Staples Center for an elimination Game 6, they’ll need to recapture that same level of energy to in order to finish what they started in a hostile environment.