The Golden State Warriors, with a dominant performance from Australian Andrew Bogut, have staved off elimination from the NBA playoffs with a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Just a day after Warriors coach Steve Kerr criticised Bogut for his inability to stay out of foul trouble, the Australian centre stepped up.
"He was probably the key," Kerr said.
The Warriors won 120-111 on their home court in Oakland on Thursday, but still face a monumental task to stay alive in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals.
They trail the Thunder 3-2 in the series.
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The Warriors have to win game six in front of a ferocious Oklahoma City crowd on Saturday, something they have been unable to do in the series, and then be victorious in game seven in Oakland on Monday.
The Thunder needs just one win to eliminate the Warriors.
Bogut had a playoff career-high 15 points, 14 rebounds, two blocked shots, two steals and just three fouls in a little under 30 minutes on the court.
"He didn't pick up any silly fouls and he dominated the game on both ends of the court," Warriors forward Draymond Green, complimenting Bogut, said.
Kerr had been frustrated with Bogut picking up early fouls in the first four games, resulting in the Australian veteran being forced to the bench and averaging just 13 minutes a game.
"I believe in Boges," Kerr said.
"I think he can play that way in game six.
"He really found his stride and I think that momentum with continue."
It was the Thunder's New Zealand centre Steven Adams who got into early foul trouble, picking up two and benched in the first three minutes.
Thunder coach Billy Donovan said this allowed Bogut to dominate.
The Warriors' two-time NBA MVP Steph Curry also shook off recent poor form with 31 points.
The teams battled throughout the game, with the Warriors taking leads and the Thunder, led by All-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook who had 40 and 31 points respectively, fighting back.
But, after an action-filled final few minutes, the Warriors maintained their composure and scored the win.
