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SPORTS Wednesday 24 May 2017

THREE-PEAT

Golden State Warriors’ JaVale McGee, top left, Kevin Durant, top center, Stephen Curry, center right, and Draymond Green, top right, join the rest of their team as
they pose with the trophy after their 129-115 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals, Monday, May 22, 2017, in
San Antonio.
Associated Press
Warriors ready for third straight NBA Finals appearance

RAUL DOMINGUEZ Golden State has a chance Finals, but Curry alluded chise’s first championship. behind Golden State’s cur-
Associated Press to earn their second cham- the Warriors are expect- “This year is a totally differ- rent run is disrespectful.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Kevin pionship in three years after ing a rematch with LeBron ent year, different group, “They’re really talented,
Durant does not need to sweeping the San Antonio James and company. different journey,” Curry but that’s not everything
be told that Golden State Spurs with a 129-115 victory “We all know, obviously, said. that describes them,”
should have a muted cel- Monday night. who we’re going to play,” The biggest difference is Popovich said.
ebration after winning the The Warriors became the Curry said. “We’ll be watch- the addition of Durant, “This is maybe the best de-
Western Conference Finals. first team in league history ing the Eastern Conference who left Oklahoma City in fensive team in the league
Durant is fully aware a to open the playoffs 12-0, Finals to see how that un- the offseason to sign with on top of everything. So,
tough challenge waits which provides them with folds. But it will be easy to Golden State. they don’t just play with
for them. It’s why Durant a week of rest prior to their start this new chapter and His presence has given the talent.
signed with the Warriors third straight finals appear- really just lock in on what’s Warriors a deep and talent- They execute at the de-
and why Stephen Curry, ance. in front of us.” ed roster headlined by four fensive end of the floor. On
Klay Thompson and Dray- Golden State will host Facing Cleveland will res- All-Stars in Durant, Curry, offense, no team is more
mond Green embraced Game 1 of the NBA Finals urrect chatter of Golden Klay Thompson and Dray- unselfish finding the open
him at the expense of their on June 1 against either State’s collapse in last mond Green. man and that sort of thing.”
own stats. Cleveland or Boston. The season’s finals, which saw But Spurs coach Gregg
“We have a bigger goal in Cavaliers hold a 2-1 lead the Cavaliers rally from a Popovich said to credit Continued on page 18
mind,” Durant said. in the Eastern Conference 3-1 deficit to win the fran- talent as the sole reason