Warriors blow monster lead in historic playoff collapse
The Golden State Warriors suffered a potentially significant blow Monday when DeMarcus Cousins limped off the court after suffering a non-contact leg injury.
And they blew a massive lead in historic fashion his absence. The Los Angeles Clippers rallied from a 31-point deficit to stun the Warriors 135-131 and tie the series at 1-1.
The win marks the largest comeback in NBA playoff history after the Warriors led, 94-63 with 7:31 remaining in the third quarter.
LANDRY SHAMET WINS IT FOR THE @LAClippers!
#ClipperNation 135#StrengthInNumbers 131LAC comes back from down by 31 PTS to even the series at 1-1. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/SVTwc2qx8X
— NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2019
Warriors led by 14 to start fourth quarter
Golden State entered the fourth quarter holding a 108-94 lead, but Lou Williams led the furious late comeback in a 36-point, 11-assist effort while Patrick Beverley continually harrassed the Warriors on the defensive end.
The Clippers outscored the Warriors, 41-23 in the final stanza and took their first lead since early in the first quarter when Landy Shamet’s 3-pointer dropped through the net with 16.5 seconds left for a 133-131 edge.
Stephen Curry attempted to answer on the other end, but when his 3-pointer with 9.3 seconds clanged off the rim, Montrezl Harrell secured the rebound for the Clippers, essentially ending the game.
If you stayed up late to watch Clippers-Warriors tonight, you just witnessed the biggest comeback in #NBAPlayoffs HISTORY!
It was 94-63 Warriors with 7:31 to play in the 3rd quarter. Clippers win, 135-131. pic.twitter.com/4dwufveYyO
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) April 16, 2019
Bogut comes to the fore after injury
The Golden State Warriors’ signing of Andrew Bogut has taken on new importance, with the NBA champs suffering a potentially devastating blow.
DeMarcus Cousins limped off the court during the game on Monday after suffering a non-contact leg injury.
The Warriors centre chased down a loose ball in the first quarter, but fell without being touched and clutched his left thigh.
He eventually limped off the court to the locker room, with Bogut checking in.
Curry tweet comes back to haunt him
The Clippers’ comeback is ironic after Warriors superstar Steph Curry tweeted his support of Tiger Woods’ “greatest comeback story in sports”.
Greatest comeback story in sports! Congrats @TigerWoods Let me hold one of those 5 jackets one time!
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) April 14, 2019
