CLEVELAND, US: Kevin Durant scored 31 points, seven of them in the closing minutes, and the Golden State Warriors beat Cleveland 118-113 Wednesday, seizing command of the NBA Finals and extending their undefeated playoff run in dramatic fashion.
The Warriors scored the last 11 points to stretch their record playoff win streak this season to 15-0 and grabbed a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Golden State, which also had 30 points from Klay Thompson and 26 from Stephen Curry, would become the first team in NBA history to make an unbeaten playoff run to the crown by winning game four on Friday in Cleveland.
No team in NBA playoff history has ever rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win a series, although the Cavaliers did become the first team in NBA Finals history to rally from a 3-1 hole to swipe the crown over Golden State last year.
The Warriors, already on the longest playoff win streak in NBA history, set the North American sports playoff win streak mark with their 15th consecutive triumph, moving past the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins’ 14-game run from the 1992 and 1993 Stanley Cup playoffs.
LeBron James had 39 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists for the Cavaliers, and Kyrie Irving added 38 points. Blown out in the first two games, the Cavaliers were much better in Game 3, but just not good enough to beat a team that could go down as one of the best ever.
Game 4 is in Cleveland on Friday night.
Durant’s late heroics brings Warriors close to sweeping Cavs
Durant’s late heroics brings Warriors close to sweeping Cavs
Dubai Basketball endure home loss in EuroLeague against Virtus Bologna
- The club enters the second half of the season with a 10–12 record
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball were beaten 80-72 by Virtus Bologna at Coca-Cola Arena on Thursday in round 22 of the EuroLeague, in a game where key individual performances made the difference.
The hosts remained competitive throughout, despite Virtus holding a slim advantage for most of the night. Dubai found rhythm in phases, particularly during the middle quarters, and stayed within striking distance until the closing minutes.
However, Virtus managed the decisive moments more efficiently and protected their lead late on.
Aleksa Avramovic led Dubai with 17 points, providing energy and shot-making that kept the home side in the game. His scoring run in the second half briefly shifted momentum and forced Virtus to adjust defensively.
Dwayne Bacon also made a strong contribution, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Dubai continued to battle physically on both ends of the floor.
Virtus were anchored by an outstanding performance from Saliou Niang, who recorded 17 points and 17 rebounds.
Dubai Basketball’s upcoming games will be decisive as the club enters the second half of the season with a 10–12 record. In February they face EuroLeague heavyweights Olympiacos and Real Madrid at home.
