The Warriors have clearly looked like the better team in the first two games at Oracle Arena, but Game 3 in New Orleans could present some problems.
The Warriors are heading to New Orleans for Game 3 up 2-0.
It’s incredibly difficult to envision the Pelicans winning four of the next five games and moving on to the Western Conference Finals, but the underdog usually gets up for Game 3.
The Smoothie King Center isn’t known as one of the most hostile environments in the NBA. However, the city of New Orleans gets up for these big games and they will certainly show up in full force to boo the defending champs.
San Antonio was able to pick up a win at home over the Warriors in the first round, and the Pelicans are much more talented than this year’s version of the Spurs.
Everything about this situation screams that the Pelicans pick up a win in New Orleans, but the return of Steph Curry throws a wrench in that plan.
The two-time MVP was +28 in Game 2 with 28 points on 15 shots off the bench in just 27 minutes.
The Warriors’ offensive rating was 14.9 points better with Steph on the floor during the regular season, and their offensive rating was 24.6 points better with Curry in Game 2 than it was in the previous six playoff games.
Curry is only beginning to get back into a rhythm, and his return takes away the Pelicans’ hope of stealing a win in Game 3.
Next: Draymond Green’s Resurgence has been Key to the Warriors’ Success
More from Blue Man Hoop
- 3x champion may come to regret forgoing Golden State Warriors reunion
- Golden State Warriors: History shows USA may need Stephen Curry for more than the Olympics
- 7 players Golden State Warriors might replace Klay Thompson with by the trade deadline
- Golden State Warriors villain pours on more pain to end USA’s World Cup
- Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry continues philanthropic efforts off the court
Game Details
Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Pelicans
Tip-Off: Tuesday, May 4, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. PST
Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
TV: ESPN
Radio: 95.7 The Game, Warriors Radio Network