I’m the type of student that feels like I work better as my deadline gets closer and closer.
In fact, I’ve written most of my papers the night before they were due working harder than I probably should to make up for wasted time. It’s an awful habit, and I know that one day it’ll come back to haunt me.
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How does this relate to the Golden State Warriors? Well, they are really good at basketball.
They play both sides of the ball at a high level. Aside from a lack of size often caused by injuries, the Dubs seem to have no flaws at first glance. However, as of late, the Warriors have struggled early in games. Over the last 5 games (3-2 record) have a +/- of -2.6 in the first quarter. I’m going to be completely honest with you: I have no idea how advanced stats work, but I’m pretty sure that’s not good. For whatever reason, the Warriors have stumbled out of the gate.
When looking at just the final score, the Warriors’ 128-114 win over the Dallas Mavericks looks like Golden State had no trouble putting the ball in the basket. In reality, the Warriors had to overcome their largest deficit of the season: 22 points. Dallas scored as many points in the paint in the first quarter as the Warriors did from anywhere on the floor and outscored the Warriors 42-25. The Warriors also didn’t force any turnovers while committing five themselves. It was looking like they were heading towards another tough loss.
However, it never really feels like the Warriors are actually out of a game until the final buzzer sounds. The story of the game wasn’t the 22-point comeback, but rather Stephen Curry and his dazzling performance as he scored 51 points and drained 10 three pointers and showed why he’s a leading MVP candidate.
During his 26-point third quarter, it felt like he just wouldn’t miss a shot ever again. As Oracle Arena came alive in the second period, so did the Warriors. The bench played tough on both ends of the floor and narrowed the gap and set up Curry’s magical third.
As fun as last night’s game was, it feels like the Warriors are playing with fire. Even though they’re both very special players, Curry and Klay Thompson won’t be there to save them every night. It’s hard to sustain that kind of comeback play over the course of the season. In fairness, the Warriors haven’t played like that the whole year, but they’ve shown susceptibility to poor beginnings. It’s hard to play from behind and you have to work twice as hard to catch up and take a lead.
If the Warriors want to make a deep playoff run, they have to clean that up. It starts on the defensive end where they have to keep the opposition out of the paint and force turnovers. Even though they’ve had trouble shooting the ball at times, forcing turnovers and running the break will always result in good, high-percentage looks. Also, in terms of health and freshness, it’s a lot easier on their bodies if they don’t spend so much energy clawing back into a game.
Though it seems like the Warriors play extremely well under pressure, it could come back to haunt them. But maybe I’m just nitpicking. Isn’t it nice to finally have a team that we can nitpick? Let’s enjoy Steph Curry’s magic and hope for less things to nitpick about.