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Why It’s Not Time To Panic For The Golden State Warriors

By Sumeet Paul

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The Golden State Warriors trail the Cleveland Cavaliers 2-1 in the NBA Finals 2015, but it isn’t time for the Western Conference champions to be panicking just yet.

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Admittedly, it is a worrying time for the Warriors ahead of Game 4 at the Quicken Loans Arena, and the momentum is certainly with the Cavs. However, there is still plenty of basketball to be played in this series and there are numerous reasons to believe that Steve Kerr can mastermind a turnaround.

The momentum can quickly switch in a series, and a win in a pivotal Game 4 can undoubtedly do that for Golden State. Cleveland are a perfect example of that looking back at their series against the Chicago Bulls, with that LeBron James game-winner turning things around completely.

Further, the Warriors offense just hasn’t clicked yet but there were signs at the end of Game 3 that they were finally starting to find their rhythm and that will be key in the upcoming clashes. Klay Thompson insisted that when they find their offense, they will win this series, and that is arguably the Finals wrapped up in a sentence.

Jun 9, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the fourth quarter in game three of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland deserve a significant amount of respect for the way that they have played on defense so far, but they simply can’t continue to maintain those high levels of intensity and effort. The emotional and physical toll will continue to grow as the series goes on, and while there is little that can be done to stop LeBron James in this form, his support cast can’t play perfect basketball on the defensive end for another two games at least.

Matthew Dellavedova was hospitalised with cramps on Tuesday night while Iman Shumpert is banged up with a shoulder problem. While the Cavs don’t seem to be affected by their continuing injury woes, they have to be sooner rather than later with their depth being put under pressure.

There is no escaping from the fact that things don’t look great for the Warriors at this point, and Game 4 on Thursday night will be critical.

Pick up a win ahead of a return to the Oracle on Sunday, and things look great again. Lose and face the end of their championship hopes on Sunday, and suddenly it all becomes a little desperate.

Golden State need to regroup and find a way to match the level of grit and determination shown by their rivals and then simply make shots. If they can limit LeBron then that would help of course, but it is about their offense finally arriving and that will happen on Thursday. It has to.

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