Three Things We Learned from the 25-26 Warriors Incredible Comeback Over the Clippers
The Golden State Warriors have been through much turmoil this season. Starting off hot, falling towards the middle of the pack, sustaining crucial injuries to crucial players, falling even further, everything from this rollercoaster led up to Wednesday night. The Warriors were road underdogs, visiting the Los Angeles Clippers in a win-or-go-home contest. The Phoenix Suns have awaited to host the winner since Tuesday, and for most of this match, that looked to be the home team. However, led by the fury of veteran shooting and lockdown defense, the Warriors overcame a 13-point fourth quarter deficit to shock Crypto.com Arena. Without a further introduction, here are some things that I took away from a thrilling, playoff-like game.
The Baby-Faced Assassin Always Arrives on Time
Words cease to exist when we talk about what Stephen Curry can still do at the age of 37. Prior to yesterday’s contest, the four-time NBA Champion had just four games to catch back up to speed after missing about two months with a nagging knee issue. The Warriors truly suffered during that time without their leader, but Wednesday night reminded fans across the league what talent the Davidson alum still contains. Curry was virtually unguardable, scoring a game-high 35 points on over 50% shooting. He also cashed in seven triples, the last of which put Golden State up 120-117 with under a minute left, marking the team’s first lead since midway through the second quarter. The greatest shooter of all time did all this while shooting just five free throws, showing everyone that he will score even if he doesn’t get to the line. Curry’s repertoire of putting the team on his back is quite extensive, and last night was the latest edition of just that.
Two Centers Show Their Value
Yes, Curry’s performance rightfully should be the main headline of this matchup. However, this win wouldn’t have been possible without two of Golden State’s newest roster additions. Kristaps Porzingis has not shown his best self as a member of the Warriors, but his teammates needed every single one of his 20 points last night. With an efficient 8-12 from the field, the ‘Unicorn’ scored from every spot imaginable on the court. Al Horford stayed quiet for most of the game, but head coach Steve Kerr trusted him when the team looked down and out. He let loose a barrage of three-pointers in the last 12 minutes that arguably became the reason why the Warriors found a winning position. ‘Big Al’ scored four triples during that time frame, one bigger than the other. If it wasn’t for their combined 34 points, Golden State would’ve realized an early offseason.
The League’s Best “Washed” Defender
Much has been said about Draymond Green’s campaign this year. Statistically, his numbers have taken a fall, and his age has compromised his defense efforts. Once considered an impenetrable force, as proved by his multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards, Green’s lockdown ability has come and gone this year. With that said, the future Hall-of-Famer found the best time to channel those defensive abilities feared by so many. With under a minute left, and the game hanging on a knife’s edge, he found himself in front of Kawhi Leonard twice. The Clipper superstar has built a reputation over the years for his complementary two-way game, but his current form goes beyond that. He became the only player in the league’s history to set a new career-high in points per game after his 14th season. So what did Green do to warrant such high praise from his teammates after the game? He tipped the ball away from Leonard on an inbound with the Warriors up by only one bucket, and poked the ball from him on the insuing possession to essentially close out the game. It’s an encouraging sign for Golden State fans to see their defensive catalyst have such an impact, and they’ll need every bit of that when they travel to Phoenix tomorrow to face the Suns, with the winner earning the last playoff spot.
