NBA Playoffs: Klay Thompson shines as Warriors secure spot in finals

San Francisco, California - The Golden State Warriors are in their sixth NBA Finals since 2015 after they took down the Dallas Mavericks 120-110 on Thursday for a 4-1 series victory.

Klay Thompson came up big for the Warriors in Game 5 against the Mavs, shooting an even 50% from beyond the arc for a team-high 32 points.
Klay Thompson came up big for the Warriors in Game 5 against the Mavs, shooting an even 50% from beyond the arc for a team-high 32 points.  © USA TODAY Sports

The Warriors moved to a 21-2 playoff-series record since Steve Kerr took over as coach in 2014, with the only losses coming to the Cleveland Cavaliers the and Toronto Raptors.

Klay Thompson came up big for the Warriors in Game 5 against the Mavs, shooting an even 50% from beyond the arc for a team-high 32 points.

Kevon Looney too was again a critical figure for the Dubs, finishing with a double-double of 10 points and 18 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass.

NBA's Joel Embiid to undergo left knee procedure
NBA NBA's Joel Embiid to undergo left knee procedure

His effort on the glass directly contributed to the Warriors' 17 second-chance points. He also gave the team defensive flexibility and freedom to switch.

Mavs fightback comes too late

Steph Curry (c.) with the Western Conference Finals MVP trophy.
Steph Curry (c.) with the Western Conference Finals MVP trophy.  © USA TODAY Sports

The Mavericks started the game in disappointing fashion, with Luka Dončić held to six points on two-of-12 shooting while committing four turnovers.

The 23-year-old took over as the Mavs mounted a serious fightback, though, scoring 15 points in the third quarter and getting the margin back to single-digits.

Steph Curry suffered an early injury scare, rolling his ankle in the first quarter when attempting to trap Dorian Finney-Smith. After some icing, Curry returned to finish with 11 points on five-of-17 shooting from the floor and nine assists over 35 minutes.

Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, and Damian Lillard among NBA All-Star Skills players
NBA Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, and Damian Lillard among NBA All-Star Skills players

Averaging 26 points, 7.5 rebounds, and seven assists while shooting 47.1% from beyond the arc coming into Game 5, Curry was the first recipient the Western Conference Finals MVP award.

The Warriors will face the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals series between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics (2-3).

Cover photo: USA TODAY Sports

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