Golden State Warriors need to up the intensity to close out the Cavs
By Derek Tahara
The Golden State Warriors came out flat in Game 4 of the NBA Finals and, if they want to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, they’ll need to increase intensity.
The Golden State Warriors lost a chance to have the only perfect postseason record by sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers. Instead, they lost 137-116. The Warriors did not shoot well, shooting 44.8 percent overall from the field, including 11-of-39 from beyond the arc, while letting the Cavaliers get open looks to the tune of 52.9 percent from the field and an NBA record 24 three-pointers in the game.
The Warriors not shooting well from the field coupled with the Cavs’ inability to miss from three was not the only glaring problem. One of the biggest problems for the Warriors was their intensity level. The Cavs looked more focused and played with more force and intensity, delivering blow after blow to every mini-Warriors run.
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The Warriors cannot have another letdown in intensity again because if they do, it could lead them to their demise. Simply put, the Warriors need to go beyond the Cavaliers’ intensity to close out this series. If the Warriors develop that killer instinct to put the opponent down when they have them down, then they have a great shot to close out this series on Monday. They do not want to repeat the horrible feeling of last year.
The intensity of the Warriors starts with the Warriors’ stars: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. If the Warriors’ “Big Four” come out with a fire and intensity that is unmatched by the Cavaliers or there is a slight edge to the Dubs, then they will be hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy on Monday. When the stars come out with an edge and intensity that cannot be matched by the opponent, it spreads throughout the team and the whole team wants to come out and play with fire and intensity.
The energy and intensity that the Warriors respond with in Game 5 and possibly beyond will have to come on defense and offense. It especially has to come on defense because all season their defense has led to lightning strike fast breaks from the Warriors. The Warriors’ energy, focus and intensity has to come soon or else it’s finger-nail biting time for Golden State fans.
Despite the Warriors’ shooting woes in Game 4, they will be back home for Game 5 and hopefully some good “home cooking” is just what the Warriors need to break out of their one game shooting slump. Additionally, they need to come out with as much energy and intensity as possible, especially on the defensive end because they were a step slow. If the Warriors do this, then they will be celebrating the NBA Championship on Oracle Arena for the first time.
If they don’t, it is just a haunting and cruel memory that won’t go away.