5 Takeaways from Game One
By Greg Chin
May 19, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after making a three point basket against the Houston Rockets in the first quarter in game one of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Stephen Curry the MVP
When the Rockets’ superstar started leading the charge, the Warriors’ very own Stephen Curry stood up against him. The two leading MVP candidates went at each other down the stretch, with James Harden making a myriad of tricky shots and Curry shooting from every and any spot on the floor.
However, in the end, it was Curry’s defensive effort that provided the difference.
By the end of last season, Curry and Harden were both seen as defensive liabilities. They both vowed to improve their defensive awareness, and both started the season as improved defensive players. But as the season went on, Harden’s effort began to slip, while Curry has kept on improving. Last night, we saw Curry finish with 2 steals, but had countless deflections and played tough defence on Jason Terry and Corey Brewer.
Terry and Brewer may not be the most dangerous of duos, but the two can certainly shoot the ball from long range. Keeping a close eye on both players was imperative to shutting down the Rockets’ offense, and Curry did just that.
We’ve seen Curry step it up a notch as a scorer during the playoffs, and his assertiveness and willingness to force the game is a different sight from what we’ve grown accustomed to during the regular season. And so far, the results have been encouraging.
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