That the Warriors have gotten this far this postseason mostly without the MVP. that was an awesome run, and, yes, it was due to hit a wall eventually.
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The Warriors trailed by 10 points late in game two, but stole it from Portland with a comeback run. Suddenly that’s not just a curiosity, it’s a possible series (and season) turning point.
Before Saturday’s game, Kerr said his players had done a good job of adjusting to life without Curry, who has not played since April 24 when he sprained his knee slipping on a wet spot on the floor. “And every last one of them told me to keep playing – stop fighting myself and continue to grind it out”.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry is set to repeat as NBA MVP, ESPN’s Marc Stein reports. Since Curry left Game 4 of their First Round series against Houston, there’s been dire need for Curry to come back yet-until now. Though the Warriors shot better percentage from the field, the Blazers would still add a point to their lead going into the fourth and final quarter. He had eight makes on 12 attempts.
It wasn’t his fault, but the point was taken.
Asked if he would have to monitor his minutes if Curry can play, Kerr said, “We”re hoping to have that problem.
Given Golden State’s aspirations of retaining their title, the game before the game was important – important because Curry appeared to be nearing a return and even more important because his team went on to lose 108-120 without him.
A hapless spectator for the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, Curry could only watch as another point guard filleted his teammates, instantly turning a humdrum series into appointment viewing.
Following the Warriors’ Game 3 loss to the Trail Blazers, Green said Portland had “doubt” at one point in the game. He got substantial help from swingman Al-Farouq Aminu, who finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds on 8-of-9 shooting. Another 3 pushed the lead to 22-16 and Thompson led all scorers after the first quarter with 18 points.
“You know, that’s cute, but I didn’t do what I do for this team”, Green said of his offensive numbers. The normally undaunted Andre Iguodala scored 1 point and Shaun Livingston took just 4 shots.
That group – usually good for about 30 points a game – combined to score 14.
The Warriors didn’t move the ball crisply on offense, settled for quick shots and didn’t wear down Portland’s best scorers, who punished the Warriors defense on the other side.
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Losing streaks don’t happen to the Warriors. But the fifth seeds remain convinced they can come back against the reigning champions, especially with Damian Lillard expressing confidence that the tide would turn, once the action shifted from Oakland to Rip City.
