Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry’s career-high of 50 points, avoided an early playoffs exit with a 120-100 win over the Sacramento Kings in the series decider.
The Warriors will now face LeBron James’s LA Lakers in the Western Conference semi-finals. The Kings had the benefit of a home crowd and led 58-56 at half-time, but the third quarter belonged to the Warriors.
Curry hit seven three-pointers, but Kevon Looney, Andrew Wiggins, and Klay Thompson also played their parts in the win.
The Miami Heat beat the New York Knicks 108-101 in the Eastern Conference semis, with Jimmy Butler leading the way with 25 points and 11 rebounds.
However, Butler rolled his ankle late in the game, and his involvement in game two is uncertain. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra refused to speculate on whether Butler would be involved in the game.
The Knicks were without Julius Randle, who was sidelined with a left ankle sprain. RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 26 and 25 points, respectively.
