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The Golden State Warriors have the opportunity to pull off a first round sweep of the New Orleans Pelicans when they tip-off for Game 4 tonight at the Smoothie King Center tonight.
It will be the first time they enter the fourth game of a playoff series up 3-0 since 1975, which adds a bit of historical weight to their dramatic win in Game 3 — if history is any indication, their improbable comeback probably sealed the deal on a trip to the second round.
In NBA history, teams with a 3-0 lead in a playoff series have gone on to win the series 100 percent of the time (110-0)
— GSWStats (@gswstats) April 24, 2015
Nevertheless, we shouldn't expect the Warriors' path to a sweep to be easy: as Bram Kincheloe wrote yesterday, the Pelicans had their "coming out party" in Game 3 and they're not likely to go down easily now. That makes Game 4 worth watching even if the outcome of the series is hardly in doubt.
Game 4 might also mark the playoff debut of Warriors forward David Lee, who has missed the first three games of the series due to a back injury. As someone who has averaged less than 20 minutes per game in his 49 games this season, it's hard to know how significant a factor he'll be against Anthony Davis and the Pelicans.
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Who: Golden State Warriors (3-0) at New Orleans Pelicans (0-3)
What: Game 4, first round, 2015 NBA Playoffs
When: 5 p.m. PST
Where: Smoothie King Center - New Orleans, Louisiana
How (to watch):
- Local: CSNBA/HD
- National: ESPN
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Online: ESPN3 | NBC Sports Live Extra (live stream & app)
Radio: KTCT 1050 AM
Previous results: Game 1: Warriors 106, Pelicans 99 | Game 2: Warriors 97, Pelicans 87 | Game 3: Warriors 123, Pelicans 119 (OT)
For more on Game 4, please check out our full storystream with previews and updates.