Sports | May 7, 2018 9:06 am

NBA Playoffs: Possible Rockets/Warriors Matchup Looms Large

Golden State and Houston are both a win away from the conference finals

James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets, Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors and Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 20, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

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By Evan Bleier @itishowitis

After their opponents were each able to win a game, there was a slight undercurrent of concern that the Warriors and Rockets would not advance from their respective series to reach the Western Conference Finals.

That concern was eased on Sunday as Golden State and Houston both won decisively on the road to take commanding 3-1 leads against the New Orleans Pelicans and the Utah Jazz.

In New Orleans, Kevin Durant finished with 38 points to go with nine rebounds for Golden State and Steph Curry had 23, Klay Thompson added 13 and Quinn Cook chipped in with 12 points.

For the losers, Anthony Davis had 26 points and 12 rebounds, but the Pelicans missed 22 of their 26 3-point attempts and hit only 36 percent (32 of 88) of their shots overall.

In Utah, veteran Chris Paul paced the Rockets with 27 points and 12 rebounds and helped make up for teammate James Harden scoring 24 points but also having eight turnovers.

Tonight, the Celtics take on the Sixers and the Cavs face the Raptors. The Cavs and Celtics both lead their series 3-0.