Stephen Curry’s masterclass in the series decider against the Sacramento Kings ensured the current NBA champions escaped an early play-off departure.

Curry scored 50 points in the playoffs, leading his team to a 120-100 victory.

In the Western Conference semi-finals, the Warriors will face LeBron James’ LA Lakers.

Earlier in the day, the Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks 108-101 to take a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Warriors were defeated 118-99 in game six on Friday, but Curry, chasing his fifth NBA title in nine years, excelled in game seven, scoring the most points ever in a game seven as his team advanced.

The Kings, who were playing in their first postseason game in 17 years and had the advantage of a home crowd, led at halftime 58-56, with Domantas Sabonis scoring 16 points.

The Warriors, however, owned the third quarter, and after Curry scored five points in a row to put them up 69-62 with seven minutes and 50 seconds remaining, they seized control and never surrendered it.

Curry was lethal with seven three-pointers, but Kevon Looney (21 rebounds and 11 points), Andrew Wiggins (17 points), and Klay Thompson (16 points) all contributed to the victory.

The Lakers and Warriors will play their first game on Wednesday at 03:00 BST in San Francisco.

Heat concerns following victory
The Heat extended their winning streak in the playoffs to five games, adding to their first-round victory against the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks.

Jimmy Butler led the seventh seeds with 25 points and 11 rebounds, but he injured his ankle late in the game and will need treatment before game two at 00:30 on Wednesday.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra refused to comment on Butler’s participation in that game.