SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors are off to the NBA Finals.
If that line rings familiar, that’s because this bunch of dudes their fans affectionately call Dubs have made the title trip for the sixth time in eight years.
And that’s what you call a dynasty.
The latest gem arrived Thursday night when the Warriors dismissed the Dallas Mavericks with a 120-110 demolition in Game 6 of their Western Conference Finals showdown at the Chase Center.
It was a bitter-sweet moment for Klay Thompson, who soldiered through 941 days of rehab and recovery from a torn ACL and a buster Achilles heel before finally returning to action this season.
“It’s hard to put into words really,” said Thompson after leading Golden State with a 32-point performance that was highlighted by a spectacular 8-of-16 fare from 3-point range.
“This time last year I was just starting to jog again and get up and down the court. Now to be feeling like myself, feeling explosive, feeling sure in my movements, I’m just grateful,” added Thompson who rocked the Mavericks with 19 in the first half.
The Warriors closed out the Mavs. 4-1, and Steph Curry, who had a modest 15 points in the close-out Game 6, won the inaugural West Conference Finals MVP award.
Like they’ve shown all throughout these 2022 NBA playoffs, the Warriors depth was too much for Dallas to contend with.
Andrew Wiggins had 18 points. Kevin Looney added 10 and 18 rebounds while Draymond Green flirted with a triple-duoble and finished with 17 points, six rebounds and nine dimes.
The Warriors shot 51.1 percent from the field (45 of 88) and 38.9 percent from long distance (14 of 36). They also out-rebounded the Mavericks, 51-34, and won the assists battle, 36-22.
Luka Doncic had carried the Mavericks during there unexpected extended run in this postseason but he appeared to have finally ran out of legs in Game 6.
Doncic registered 26 points but he was held to only 10 of 28 from the field and just 3-of-13 from 3..
The Warriors will face the winner of the Celtics-Heat series for the 2022 NBA crown.
The Celtics currently lead the East Finals showdown 3-2.
