It seems like a time so far away, but there was once a Kevin Durant-less Golden State Warriors team that had the NBA at its mercy. No one pitied that team for not having Durant, one of the most lethal scorers in the history of basketball. It already had Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and enough supporting talent to never give opponents a breather. Oh, and Steve Kerr, who has now 17-1 in playoff series in his coaching career. That team won a championship, went 73-9 the next season, then lost the Finals due to a performance from LeBron James that the former Cavaliers star himself used to justify his claim as the best player in the history of basketball. Like those years without Durant, today’s Warriors received little pity this week when Durant went down with a calf injury. Unsurprisingly, they didn’t need him to seal yet another Western Conference finals appearance. For the fifth straight year, the Warriors are headed to the Western Conference finals. (Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports) Steph Curry goes off in Warriors’ series-winner In a flashback to four years ago, when fans weren’t yelling at them for ruining the NBA, the Warriors rode a second-half supernova performance from Curry to a 118-113 win over the Houston Rockets, advancing 4-2 past their biggest conference rivals. The Warriors looked unusually vulnerable early in the game as Curry’s point total remained at zero for the entire first-half, but then the team’s original superstar went off for 33 second-half points and the Warriors were once again inevitable. "You don't do what these guys have done without an incredible combination of talent and character. ... I thought Steph epitomized that tonight." —Steve Kerr on Steph Curry's gutsy performance against the Rockets pic.twitter.com/ahnWbzZhFo — NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 11, 2019 In a game featuring 21 lead changes and a predictably loud Houston crowd, Curry took over down the road and scored 16 of his team’s final 19 to drive the decisive run in the final two minutes. Story continues Thompson was the team’s most consistent offensive threat, dropping 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting (7-of-13 from deep), while the Warriors bench outscored the Houston unit 33-17. None of the performances are surprising when you remember what the Warriors were — and have been — without Durant. The Warriors now an astounding 30-4 since KD got there when KD does NOT play but Steph does. — nick wright (@getnickwright) May 11, 2019 The Rockets, the lone team able to consistently match Golden State’s offensive firepower over the last few years, were the Warriors’ biggest obstacle in the playoffs last year. It’s worth wondering if the same could be true this year. Who will the Warriors face in the Western Conference finals? Waiting for the Warriors in the Western Conference finals will either be the Denver Nuggets or Portland Trail Blazers. The West’s 2- and 3-seeds are scheduled to face in a Game 7 on Sunday to end a street fight of a series. The Nuggets, who challenged the Warriors for the 1-seed for most of the regular season, likely represent the stiffer challenge for the Warriors, but the lesson of the Blazers’ postseason so far has been to never, ever doubt Damian Lillard. Whoever they face, the Warriors will likely be heavily favored — as they have all year — to reach the NBA finals and win a third-straight title and their fourth in five years. Rockets’ season ends against Golden State yet again Finishing their season with a loss to the Warriors has nearly become a tradition for the Rockets, but this one loss might be the most painful. Last year’s loss saw a 3-2 series lead evaporate following a Chris Paul injury and the tables were turned this year. The Warriors were a game ahead, but missing a vital player. Along with the reversal, it also might have been the best chance any team will get this year at eliminating the Warriors. Instead, the Rockets were eliminated one game after Durant went down. "This one's gonna leave a mark. This is not something you just get over with." —Mike D'Antoni after the Rockets' season-ending loss to the Warriors pic.twitter.com/2jx5IFpChi — NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 11, 2019 Facing the team that had ended their season in three of the past four years, the Rockets received even more pain than usual, as well as the number changing to four times in five years. Chris Paul and James Harden combined for 62 points, 19 rebounds and 11 assists, and the team still lost because the Warriors are still the Warriors, even when Kevin Durant is only watching from home. More from Yahoo Sports:<doc-sep>Despite all odds being stacked against them, the Golden State Warriors eliminated the Houston Rockets in Game 6 with a 118-113 victory. With the Warriors missing Kevin Durant due to a calf strain and Golden State playing on the road at the Toyota Center, the defending champions relied on a huge first-half performance from Klay Thompson (21 points in the first half), a clutch fourth quarter from Stephen Curry and a surprising performance from the team's bench to eliminate their Western Conference rivals. Curry led the way with 33 points while Thompson finished the night with 27 points. Golden State will now face the winner of Game 7 between the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals. Here are some major takeaways from Golden State's victory: The old Warriors This is no disrespect to Kevin Durant, who is, at this point, pretty indisputably the best player in the NBA. But my goodness are the old Warriors something to behold. They are not perfect. They turn the ball over. They make stupid plays and get in foul trouble. But have you ever seen a team that fights like this? A few days after Kyrie Irving and the Celtics showed us what it looks like to wither up and die when the going gets tough, the Warriors reminded everyone what the heart of a champion actually looks like. Given the circumstances -- the Durant absence, Curry being held scoreless in the first half, the foul trouble, on the road -- this might very well be the most impressive victory throughout this entire five-year run. Just absolutely incredible. "Not going to swear tonight. They're giants. They're champions. These guys are a historically good basketball team," head coach Steve Kerr said of his Warriors after the Game 6 win. "You do not do what these guys have done without an incredible combination of talent and character." Stephen Curry is a god Curry has never struggled with his shot like this. For five games against Houston he was shooting 26 percent from 3. He went 0-for-5 in the first half and was held scoreless. He looked awful. That is not an overstatement. Full-blown awful. So what does he do? He comes out and scores 33 second-half points, including some monster shots in crunch time. Forget the otherworldly shooting ability -- this is what pure, unabashed confidence looks like. There might not be another player in the world who can go from shooting, and playing, that poorly to flat out dominating in the blink of an eye like he never missed a beat. Just remarkable, the willingness and self-belief to keep playing through those struggles at full speed, no hesitation, against relentless double-teams and traps, with the stakes that high and a world of criticism awaiting him if he didn't turn it around. Never doubt Steph Curry. Ever. Unless you want to look like a fool. "That game personified Steph Curry," Kerr said after the game. "He's just fearless. That's what makes him who he is." Can't say it better than that. Game 6 Klay Thompson Klay has a history of going off in Game 6s, and he did it again when the Warriors needed it most, finishing with with 27 points, but it was the 21 first-half points that were beyond huge. If Klay doesn't carry the Warriors in the first half while Curry was on the bench with three fouls and zero points, there are no heroics to be had at the end. It would've been over long before that. Never mind Klay's defense all night. He had some of the most impressive defensive possessions you will ever see in this game. This dude is such a battler it's hard to find the words for it. Unfazed by anything. Kudos to Chris Paul and James Harden Especially Paul, who finally had a vintage Chris Paul game with 27 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. He hit 3s. He got into the lane. He gave Harden, who finished with 35 points, the support he needed, and it just wasn't enough. This is as brutal a loss as Paul has ever suffered, and he's suffered some brutal ones. The Rockets did not lose this game, however. The Warriors won it. That's a big distinction that needs to be made. Recap of live updates CBS Sports was with you throughout Warriors vs. Rockets Game 6. Scroll through our LIVE blog if you missed anything. If you're having trouble viewing the live application below, please click here. TV listings All games will air on ESPN, ABC, TNT and NBA TV during the postseason. Games on TNT and NBA TV can be streamed via fuboTV (try it for free). Odds and Analysis Check Sportsline's NBA pick sheet for all your daily odds.<doc-sep>Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson has been known to have some big Game 6 performances in the playoffs, and he continued the trend on Friday night against the Houston Rockets. As the Warriors looked to close out the Rockets on their home floor, Thompson was a one-man wrecking crew on offense as the teams entered the locker rooms at halftime tied at 57-57. Launching early and often, Thompson scored 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting, including 5-for-9 3-pointers in the first half. His performance was essential because Stephen Curry, expected to carry a bigger offensive load with Kevin Durant out of the lineup, was held scoreless in the first half -- that's right, zero points. Curry was mired in foul trouble and never found his rhythm in 12 first-half minutes, shooting 0-for-5 from the field, which made Thompson's big half all the more important. The Warriors also got contributions from up and down the roster, with Andre Iguodala, Draymond Green and Kevon Looney scoring eight points apiece in the first half. Thompson may have kept the Warriors alive, but they'll need Curry to get going if they're going to close out the Rockets and avoid a Game 7 back in Oakland on Sunday.<doc-sep>Ben Margot/Associated Press Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul reportedly had Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry kicked off the Toyota Center court Thursday night after finding out the Dubs superstar was scheduled for a one-hour shooting session ahead of Friday's Game 6. On Saturday, Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic reported the Warriors' manager, Eric Housen, booked the court time, but Paul found out about it, traveled to the Rockets' home arena and took the floor for himself, even denying his Golden State counterpart's offer to split the court in half. After the Warriors closed the series out, Curry could be heard exclaiming, "Kick me off the court again, boy," in video captured by CBSSports.com's Reid Forgrave: The Rockets guard probably felt his mission was successful after the two-time NBA MVP went scoreless in the first half. Curry exploded in the second half, however, scoring 33 points as Golden State eliminated Houston from the playoffs with a 118-113 road win. Video Play Button McCollum and the Blazers Snapped Postseason Losing Streak for "Jennifer" Stars Invest in Plant-Based Food as Vegetarianism Sweeps NBA The NBA Got Some Wild Techs This Season Jarrett Allen Is One of the NBA’s Hottest Rim Protectors Wade's Jersey Swaps Created Epic Moments This Season Westbrook Makes History While Honoring Nipsey Hussle Devin Booker Makes History with Scoring Tear 29 Years Ago, Jordan Dropped Career-High 69 Points Bosh Is Getting His Jersey Raised to the Rafters in Miami Steph Returns to Houston for 1st Time Since His Moon Landing Troll Lou Williams Is Coming for a Repeat of Sixth Man of the Year Pat Beverley Has the Clippers Stealing the LA Shine LeBron Keeps Shredding NBA Record Books Young's Hot Streak Is Heating Up the ROY Race with Luka LeBron and 2 Chainz Form a Superteam to Release a New Album Wade's #OneLastDance Dominated February Warriors Fans Go Wild After Unforgettable Moments with Steph Eight Years Ago, the Nuggets Traded Melo to the Knicks Two Years Ago, the Kings Shipped Boogie to the Pelicans ASG Will Be Competitive Again If the NBA Raises the Stakes Right Arrow Icon The three-time NBA champion said afterward he heard the critics after some poor shooting nights throughout the Western Conference Semifinals, but he remained focused on what he could control. "I've heard a lot of noise this series, for sure. I'll just leave it at that," Curry told reporters. "Whether it's positive, negative, whatever the case is—I know what I'm capable of. It's bigger than me, so I just don't get caught up in that." Curry added the Warriors felt a sense of urgency to close out the Rockets so everyone could get some extra rest before the conference finals, especially Kevin Durant, who missed Game 6 with a calf injury. "The least we can do is come in here and get a win," he said. "Get some rest before the Western Conference Finals and give [Durant] the chance to get healthy and go chase another championship. It's special. I know he's back at home celebrating and can't wait to get back and prepare for the next series." Video Play Button McCollum and the Blazers Snapped Postseason Losing Streak for "Jennifer" Stars Invest in Plant-Based Food as Vegetarianism Sweeps NBA The NBA Got Some Wild Techs This Season Jarrett Allen Is One of the NBA’s Hottest Rim Protectors Wade's Jersey Swaps Created Epic Moments This Season Westbrook Makes History While Honoring Nipsey Hussle Devin Booker Makes History with Scoring Tear 29 Years Ago, Jordan Dropped Career-High 69 Points Bosh Is Getting His Jersey Raised to the Rafters in Miami Steph Returns to Houston for 1st Time Since His Moon Landing Troll Lou Williams Is Coming for a Repeat of Sixth Man of the Year Pat Beverley Has the Clippers Stealing the LA Shine LeBron Keeps Shredding NBA Record Books Young's Hot Streak Is Heating Up the ROY Race with Luka LeBron and 2 Chainz Form a Superteam to Release a New Album Wade's #OneLastDance Dominated February Warriors Fans Go Wild After Unforgettable Moments with Steph Eight Years Ago, the Nuggets Traded Melo to the Knicks Two Years Ago, the Kings Shipped Boogie to the Pelicans ASG Will Be Competitive Again If the NBA Raises the Stakes Right Arrow Icon Meanwhile, Paul finished Game 6 with 27 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, but it wasn't enough. The Warriors advance to face either the Denver Nuggets or Portland Trail Blazers, who will play Game 7 of their series Sunday afternoon, with a berth in the 2019 NBA Finals on the line.<doc-sep>
Warriors star Stephen Curry knew there had been plenty of conversations about his lackluster showing in Golden State's second-round series against the Rockets. Heading into a pivotal Game 6 on Friday night without Kevin Durant, the lights were shining even brighter than usual on Curry's No. 30 jersey. Despite shooting only 39.4 percent from the field and 26.3 percent from 3-point range against Houston prior to Game 6, Curry's confidence never wavered. He certainly took his time, but Curry delivered the knockout blow when the Warriors needed their two-time MVP to show up. MORE: Chris Paul kicked Curry off practice court before Game 6 "I've heard a lot of noise this series, for sure," Curry said after the Warriors won in Houston, eliminating the Rockets and advancing to the Western Conference finals. "I'll just leave it at that. Whether it's positive, negative, whatever the case is, I know what I'm capable of. "It's bigger than me, so I just, I don't get caught up in that. I don't need any extra motivation." Curry's line in the box score doesn't jump out with 50-plus points or a triple-double, but his playoff performance against the Rockets was one of the finest of his career. Here are four stats to explain why... Zero Yeah... this didn't start well. Curry was held scoreless in the first half for the first time since 2012, shooting 0-of-5 from the field in just 12 minutes. He got intro foul trouble early, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr had to throw in little-used point guard Quinn Cook, much to Curry's chagrin. Steph speaks on Steve Kerr's decision to take him out of the game after getting two fouls and how Kerr always "keeps it real." #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Av0Ror7LZ1 — NBA TV (@NBATV) May 11, 2019 Give credit to fellow "Splash Brother" Klay Thompson, who kept Golden State alive with 11 points after Curry's third foul and 21 points overall in the first half. That set the stage for Curry to find his form late in the game. 33 What a difference a short trip to the locker room can make. Curry came out blazing in the final two quarters, scoring 33 points in a variety of ways. Game 6 stats First half Second half Points 0 33 Field goals 0-5 9-15 3-point field goals 0-2 4-9 Free throws 0-0 11-11 Curry scored more than 50 percent of the Warriors' second-half total (61) and launched nine more shots than any other Golden State player (Andre Iguodala, 3-of-6). 23 The fourth quarter turned into Curry's personal playground with the six-time All-Star dropping 23 points on the Rockets in the final frame. Curry went 6-of-8 from the field, 3-of-5 from the 3-point line and a perfect 8-of-8 at the free-throw line. He accounted for more than 60 percent of the Warriors' points in the period (36) and nearly outscored the Rockets by himself (26). Over the last 20 postseasons, Curry's 23-point fourth quarter is second only to Allen Iverson, who scored 26 points in the fourth back in 2001 against the Bucks. Stephen Curry scored all 33 of his points in the second half, including 23 in the fourth quarter, both playoff career highs. — Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) May 11, 2019 16 This might be the most impressive number from Curry's big night. Over the course of the final five minutes of Game 6, Curry scored 16 points — and so did the Rockets as a team. Final five minutes Curry Rockets Points 16 16 Field goals 3-4 6-13 3-point field goals 2-3 4-8 Free throws 8-8 0-0 Any noise left? Any chatter about Curry not coming through in the clutch? Didn't think so.