Their best chance had been in the previous game. After another two days, the Thunder players had fully adapted to Utah's high-altitude environment.
Back in form, the Thunder stubbornly held off the Jazz's ferocious offense.
They played steadily, then launched a powerful counterattack in the final three minutes of the Fourth Quarter. The Big Three worked in perfect sync, unleashing a 12-1 run to put the game away.
In the end, the Thunder defeated the Jazz 112-105, took G4, swept the Jazz, and became the second team after the Celtics to advance to the second round.
Next, they would have a short period of rest, waiting at ease for the outcome of the Warriors-Pelicans series.
Of course, they did not have to wait long. The very next day was G5 between the Warriors and the Pelicans.
Back at Oracle Arena for G5, the Warriors immediately regained their footing.
Curry stood on the sideline in a suit, overseeing the battle, and the players on the court seemed to have adapted to playing without him.
Although their shooting touch was still far from great, at least they did not suffer another disaster like the previous game. When all three of them were off, that was a little fatal.
But if only one player was off, it was not a big problem.
Durant went 1-for-8 from three and 7-for-17 from the field, scoring only 21 points.
But Klay went 11-for-22 and 3-for-5 from three, scoring 28 points. Green also posted a massive 17 points and 19 rebounds on 5-for-11 shooting.
In the end, the Warriors smoothly won 109-104 and advanced to the second round, 4-1.
Thus, the first second-round matchup was officially set.
The two teams that had battled for the Western Conference Finals crown last year.
The Warriors and the Thunder.
They