NBA: Denver Nuggets eliminated, Golden State Warriors move forward from Playoff series

Golden State Warriors have secured a spot in the second round in the Western Conference after beating Playoff rivals Denver Nuggets with a score of 102-98. The series ended with a tally of 4-1, eliminating the Denver Nuggets.

Stephen Curry made his heroic return to the starting lineup of the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday and scored 30 points, in addition to five rebounds and assists. The All-Star player was backed up by Gary Payton II and Klay Thompson, both of whom added 15 each.

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Curry converted a three-point play with 1:33 left and scored again with 29 seconds remaining to help send the Warriors to the next stage.

The Warriors will now wait for the winner of the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves matchup, who are scheduled to clash in game number 6 on Friday. Grizzlies, currently leading their series 3-2, eliminated Golden State Warriors in the play-in round last year.

Nikola Jokic scored 12 of his 30 points in the final 3:46 and finished with 19 rebounds and eight assists. The Denver Nuggets player also tied it at 90 on an 18-footer with 2:26 remaining before Golden State’s Gary Payton II made a layup moments later, Associated Press reported.

Stephen Curry shot 10 of 22 with five 3-pointers. He came off the bench for the first four games with the series beginning one month from when he sprained a ligament in his left foot on March 16 against Boston.

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Coach Steve Kerr went small with Curry, Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson as Kevon Looney came off the bench, Associated Press reported.

Steve Kerr challenged the Warriors to “get back to being us.” They had given up 30 points off 15 turnovers and committed 27 fouls that led to 36 free throws for Denver Nuggets in a 126-121 road loss on Sunday.