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Warriors Win, Durant Hurt, Bucks Close Out Celtics and More

May 8, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) leaves the court after an injury during the third quarter in game five of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In the biggest game of the NBA playoffs to date, the Golden State Warriors outlasted the Houston Rockets, 104-99, to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinals. But that was only half of the news: Warriors star Kevin Durant strained his calf late in the third quarter and likely will miss some time, pending the results of a Thursday MRI. Could that swing the balance of the series and the entire playoffs? Waiting on the other side are the Milwaukee Bucks, who finished off the Boston Celtics in their Eastern Conference series in impressive fashion. Meanwhile, the Lakers are still without a coach.

It was vital for the Warriors to hang onto Game 5 at home, with or without Durant, and they were able to do so — just barely.

Of course, the Durant injury might not mean the end of a dynasty. Remember, the Warriors won 73 games three years ago without him.

On Wednesday night’s undercard, the Bucks didn’t leave any room for drama, smacking down the Celtics for the fourth straight time.

The Celtics’ season ended very poorly, but at least Boston made the playoffs. The Lakers’ mess has extended into the offseason, first with Monty Williams and now Tyronn Lue declining to become their coach.

The postseason continues tonight, with the 76ers and Blazers looking to keep their seasons alive with Game 6 victories at home.

TOP STORIES

• Warriors win Game 5 vs. Rockets after Kevin Durant exits with calf injury | USA Today

• With Durant Hurt, the Warriors Dynasty Could Suddenly Be Reeling | New York Times

• Bucks beat Celtics 116-91 to advance to East final | Associated Press
• Lakers, Lue end talks without deal, sources say | ESPN.com
• Raptors road favourites at 76ers for Thursday’s Game 6 | Sportsnet.ca

Written by GMS staff report

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