In another edition of The Town’s Finest, writer Jannelle Moore a few of the most recent Golden State Warriors games — many of which were played without Stephen Curry.
It’s nothing like a tweaked ankle to remind people that Stephen Curry is the MVP of the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors’ offense began with Stephen Curry’s game, and still revolves on his game. Don’t believe me? Check out what Kevin Durant said after the Warriors dropped their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves Sunday.
“Our offense is kind of predicated on Steph and Klay running around the 3 point line, knocking down shots and spreading it out, ” Durant told The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.
“Steph is the system here. He’s been part of this since Steve Kerr‘s been here,” Durant said later. “D-West knows how to play. Andre the same. Those guys are smart. Looking forward to having them back. …We have a system in place that maximizes everyone’s strengths. You can see, if you take a few guys out, it’s a totally different game.”
Kevin Durant on the challenges of reforming the offense without Steph Curry: "Steph is the system here" pic.twitter.com/zHzEbNXSag
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 11, 2018
Granted, the Warriors won games in Curry’s absence during December. However, the offense became stale and stagnant without him in the lineup. On this current losing streak, the impact of Curry’s absence on the offense is very obvious: the pace on which the Warriors play slows down, and the team becomes ISO-heavy.
When Curry returns to the lineup, you’ll no doubt see the pace quicken and the ball movement flow. You will also see Klay Thompson break out of his mini slump and shoot back into rhythm. Basically, Warriors basketball as we know it becomes identifiable again.
Until then, check out who made Town’s Finest for Week 13.