The Warriors enter Phase II of their miracle comeback in the Western Conference Finals.
Or, maybe, they are 48 minutes away from going on vacation.
There is no in-between for the defending champions as they prepare for Game 6 against Oklahoma City on Saturday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Down 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, the Warriors’ quest is to force Game 7 in Oakland.
The Warriors survived the first elimination game, taking Game 5 at Oracle Arena, but now must win Game 6 to have a chance to become the 10th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 postseason deficit.
[POOLE: Warriors return to scene of routs with new formula: 'Let loose']
Doing so would not only require slowing a Thunder team that clobbered the Warriors by a combined 52 points in Games 3 and 4 but also squelching conceivably the most relentlessly, vociferous crowd in the NBA.
BETTING LINE
Thunder by 3
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Stephen Curry vs. Russell Westbrook: Asked after Game 5 about Curry’s defense, Westbrook snickered, perhaps sick of hearing about the two-time MVP and most popular player in the league. Curry feeds off slights, real or perceived. Considering the stakes, this could be juicy. The winner of the matchup tilts his team toward victory.
Andre Iguodala/Draymond Green et al vs. Kevin Durant: Iguodala has done well to contain Durant on the perimeter; KD is shooting 43.2 percent overall, 29.6 percent from deep. He’s more dangerous at home, particularly in transition, so the key for the Warriors will be limiting live-ball turnovers. As good as Iguodala and Green were in Game 5, they’ll need to be better in Game 6.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: F Kevon Looney (L hip surgery) is listed as out.
Thunder: No injuries listed.
OFFICIALS
Monty McCutchen (lead), Ed Malloy, Derrick Stafford.
ROAD TO THE CONFERENCE FINALS
Warriors: Defeated Houston 4-1 in the first round; defeated Portland 4-1 in conference semifinal.
Thunder: Defeated Dallas 4-1 in the first round; defeated San Antonio 4-2 in conference semifinal.
SERIES HISTORY
This is the first postseason meeting between the teams. The Warriors swept three meetings in the regular season and have won eight of 12 over the past two seasons.
QUOTABLE
“Honestly, I could care less about other people’s opinion of me. I know what I do for my team.” – Curry, on Westbrook’s giggling response when asked about Curry’s defense
