The Warriors crept back into their Western Conference finals series against the Thunder on Thursday with a 120-111 home win in Game 5.
Things weren't looking good for the defending champions heading into the night. After losing Game 2 at home — the only home loss of either conference finals — the Warriors lost two games badly in Oklahoma City, and elimination was in sight.
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Stephen Curry then did what he has done the past two years: He led his team when it needed him most.
Of course, it wasn't all Curry — Golden State had five players score in double figures — but the back-to-back MVP was just too much for Kevin Durant and the Thunder.
"We did what we were supposed to do," Curry told TNT after the game. "Game 6 will probably be the toughest game of our lives. It's up to us to get the job done, we can't beat ourselves."
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The Warriors have now won 15 straight home games coming off a loss (regular season and the playoffs) dating to last season.
Andrew Bogut helped the cause in Game 5 by recording a postseason-high 15 points and 14 rebounds.
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Durant led the Thunder with 40 points, becoming the first player with multiple 40-point games this postseason. He shot just 12 for 31 from the floor, though, which hampered Oklahoma City's chances of wrapping up the series.
Stud of the Night
Curry still doesn't appear to be 100 percent healthy, but he scored 31 points on 9-for-20 shooting to help Golden State stay alive. He also held his own on defense while leading the offense to an efficient night. He added seven rebounds, six assists and five steals to complete his all-around game.
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Dud of the Night
A quick glance at the box score paints a pleasant picture for Russell Westbrook (31 points, eight assists and seven rebounds), but the real story is much different. The point guard turned the ball over seven times and played out of control for stretches. Oklahoma City will need him to be better in Game 6.
Highlight
This 3-point bucket by Andre Iguodala was a huge dagger:
Iggy pushes the @warriors lead to 9 early in the 4th on TNT! #NBARapidReplay #WARRIORSvTHUNDER https://t.co/bJWULwUPo7
— NBA (@NBA) May 27, 2016
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What's next
Eastern Conference finals Game 6: Cavaliers at Raptors, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN (Cleveland leads series 3-2): Neither team has been able to win on the road this series, but it's hard to imagine Toronto rebounding from the 116-78 drubbing Cleveland handed it Wednesday. Kevin Love finally returned to form in Game 5; can he do it again anbd help send the Cavs back to the Finals?