What Is 2019 NBA Western Conference finals

Overview

The 2019 NBA Western Conference Finals marked the penultimate stage of the Western Conference playoffs, determining which team would advance to the NBA Finals. This series featured the Golden State Warriors, the two-time defending champions, against the underdog Portland Trail Blazers, who had advanced past the Denver Nuggets in the semifinals.

The Warriors dominated the matchup, sweeping the Trail Blazers 4–0 to secure their fifth consecutive trip to the NBA Finals. Despite strong performances from Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, Portland was outmatched by Golden State’s depth, experience, and championship pedigree.

• Game 1 took place on May 14 at Oracle Arena, where the Warriors won 119–106 behind 36 points from Kevin Durant.
• Game 2 occurred on May 16, with Golden State winning 114–111 after a late rally sparked by Stephen Curry’s 14 fourth-quarter points.
• Game 3 shifted to Portland on May 18, but the Warriors prevailed 110–99, led by Draymond Green’s triple-double of 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.
• Game 4 on May 20 sealed the sweep, as the Warriors won 119–117, with Klay Thompson scoring 28 points and hitting crucial shots down the stretch.
• The series concluded with the Warriors advancing to the NBA Finals for the fifth straight year, a feat not seen since the Boston Celtics in the 1960s.

Key Matchups and Performances

Each game highlighted pivotal individual and team dynamics that underscored the Warriors’ superiority in experience and execution under pressure. Portland showed resilience but struggled with consistency and defensive lapses against Golden State’s ball movement and three-point shooting.

• Steph Curry averaged 25.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, shooting 48% from the field and 43% from three.
• Kevin Durant contributed 27.0 points per game before suffering a calf injury in Game 5 of the previous round, limiting his role.
• Damian Lillard averaged 22.8 points and 8.0 assists but shot only 40% overall and faced constant defensive pressure.
• Klay Thompson provided critical scoring bursts, including a 28-point performance in Game 4, hitting 7 of 11 three-pointers.
• Draymond Green anchored the defense and facilitated play, recording a triple-double in Game 3 and averaging 12.3 rebounds in the series.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of key statistical categories between the Warriors and Trail Blazers during the 2019 Western Conference Finals reveals the gap in efficiency and depth.

The Warriors’ superior ball movement and shooting efficiency were decisive factors. Their ability to generate open three-pointers through off-ball screens and drive-and-kick plays overwhelmed Portland’s defense, which lacked the lateral quickness to stay in front of Golden State’s scorers. Additionally, Golden State’s bench outscored Portland’s reserves by an average of 28.5 to 18.3 points per game, showcasing their depth.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Western Conference Finals was significant not only for determining the Western champion but also as the final chapter of the Warriors’ dynasty before key injuries and roster changes altered their trajectory. It highlighted the end of an era as Golden State reached their fifth straight Finals, only to lose to the Toronto Raptors without a fully healthy Kevin Durant.

• The sweep underscored the championship gap between elite teams and rising contenders in the modern NBA.
• It marked the last NBA Finals appearance for the Warriors’ core until 2022, following injuries and roster turnover.
• Portland’s run to the Conference Finals was their deepest playoff run since 2000, signaling a breakthrough for the franchise.
• The series demonstrated the importance of three-point shooting and ball movement in high-level playoff basketball.
• Kevin Durant’s injury during the prior round had lasting implications, as he tore his Achilles in Game 5 of the Finals.
• The Warriors’ five-year Finals streak remains the longest in NBA history since the 1960s Celtics.

The 2019 Western Conference Finals was a pivotal moment in NBA history, symbolizing both the peak of a dynasty and the beginning of its decline.