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SPORTS Monday 7 May 2018
Durant's scores 38, Warriors down Pelicans for 3-1 lead

By BRETT MARTEL try said Golden State's de- and created easier shots
AP Sports Writer fense "had a lot to do with" for himself."
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Kevin the Pelicans' poor shooting. Thompson and Curry each
Durant made his approach "We didn't have the looks added early 3s. That, and
to taking over a pivotal we normally have," he solid defense that included
NBA playoff game sound said. "We pressed a little bit Green's block of Rondo's la-
so simple — and look that when we got behind." yup, helped Golden State
way, too. E'Twaun Moore scored 20 open a 10-point lead in the
"I just try to tell myself that and Jrue Holiday 19, but first four minutes.
I'm at my best when I don't New Orleans reserves com- The Pelicans missed eight
care what happens after bined for just 14 points after of their first 10 shots and
the game, the outcome scoring 32 two nights ear- trailed 20-6 after Green
or anything," Durant said. lier. Rajon Rondo finished made Golden State's fourth
"That's when I'm free and with 11 rebounds but had 3 of the game.
having fun out there, and only six assists after rack- With good rebounding
forceful. That was thing — ing up 21 in Game 3. The and free-throw shooting,
just try to play with force Pelicans also committed the Pelicans slowly ground
no matter if I missed shots 19 turnovers, which led 21 the Warriors' lead down to
or not, just keep shooting, Warriors points. seven by halftime — only to
keep being aggressive." "We missed a lot of easy have Golden State storm
Durant scored Golden shots, a couple game-plan out of the gate in the third
State's first two baskets on discipline mistakes early on quarter.
pull-up jumpers of 21 and and they came out on fire," GOING SMALL Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots against
15 feet before a minute- Davis said. "We just can't af- Kerr went with a different New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) in the first half
and-a-half had elapsed ford to shoot that poorly starting lineup for a third of Game 4 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series in
New Orleans, Sunday, May 6, 2018.
in Game 4 of the Warriors' "But we've got another consecutive game. q Associated Press
Western Conference semi- one," Davis added. "Any
final series against New time we've been punched
Orleans on Sunday. He fin- in the mouth, we've always
ished with 38 points on 15- responded very well."
of-27 shooting to go with TIP-INS
nine rebounds, and Gold- Warriors: Draymond Green
en State soundly defeated had eight points, nine re-
the Pelicans 118-92 to take bounds, nine assists, four
a commanding 3-1 se- steals and two blocks. With
ries lead back to the West his fourth rebound, Green
Coast. became the third player
Warriors guard Stephen in Warriors history to reach
Curry said it was apparent 800 playoff rebounds. Wilt
early that getting the ball Chamberlain (922) and
to Durant would be wise. Nate Thurmond (896) are
"Just find ways to get him the only others. ... Green
in scoring positions," Curry was assessed his first tech-
said. "Sometimes, that's nical foul of the playoffs
not really hard to do — just after he fell to the floor on
throw it to him. a Davis layup and no foul
"Just keep the game simple was called.
at that point because he's Pelicans: Davis committed
such a great scorer, you six turnovers and Rondo
don't have to really over- four. ... Davis shot 10 of 10
think things." from the foul line. ... The
The Warriors lost by 19 in Pelicans made 18 of 19
Game 3 Friday and the free throws in the first half
Pelicans were looking to but finished 24 of 30. ...
even the series. Instead, Nikola Mirotic grabbed 11
the Warriors responded rebounds but missed six of
with a resounding effort seven shots to finish with
that produced a wire-to- seven points.
wire win with leads as large BREAKING AWAY
as 26 points. Curry scored After shooting poorly Friday
23, Klay Thompson added night, the Warriors were ea-
13 and Quinn Cook, who ger to regain their rhythm
was a Pelicans reserve ear- and did so immediately.
lier this season, contributed They hit six of their first eight
12 points. shots, with Durant making
Anthony Davis had 26 his first three.
points and 12 rebounds for "He was attacking tonight
New Orleans, but the Peli- right from the beginning
cans hit only 36 percent (32 and he was brilliant," War-
of 88) of their shots, missing riors coach Steve Kerr said.
22 of 26 3-point attempts. "He found better spots on
Pelicans coach Alvin Gen- the floor with his aggression