Three takeaways as the Warriors hang on in Game 5 to eliminate the Pelicans

Carlan Gay

Three takeaways as the Warriors hang on in Game 5 to eliminate the Pelicans image

The Golden State Warriors have once again punched their ticket to the Western Conference Finals for the fourth straight year after a 113-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans - winning the series 4-1.

The win was the 15th straight at home for the Warriors tying an NBA record set by the Chicago Bulls in 91.

The Warriors will now switch their attention to the Houston Rockets, the league's best team with Game 1 set for Monday night at the Toyota Center at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Here are three takeaways from the Dubs closeout victory in Game 5.

Fire Power

Alvin Gentry preached pre-game about stopping Golden State's monster runs. In the third quarter, the Dubs managed to go on a 32-6 run.

The defending champions felt like they were sending a message - Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson all had moments during the run.

The three sharpshooters combined for 75 of the Warriors' 113 points. Golden State is 14-1 when all three of them score at least 20 points.

Alvin Gentry tried to stop the bleeding throughout the game taking multiple timeouts but the Dubs were on a mission.

The Rockets defence has been much improved, it will no doubt be tested against one of the most explosive offences in league history.

Ball movement/Draymond Green

The Warriors averaged 29 in the second-round - they had 35 in Game 5. Draymond Green led the way with 9 dimes - his ability to create looks for others or make a pass that leads to a hockey assist has been invaluable.

Green averaged a triple-double in the series, he'll be an X-factor in the conference finals.

Complacency

Sometimes the Warriors go through stretches where they think they can just show up and walk away with a win.

After leading by as many as 26 points, they allowed the Pelicans to make a potential blowout interesting in the fourth period. New Orleans went on an 18-2 run to get the lead down to 107-100 until Draymond Green hit a turn around jumper to restore order.

Golden State got away with one in Game 5 in the conference finals against a streaky Rockets' outfit they may not be so lucky.

Carlan Gay