The Golden State Warriors dominating Game 3 performance gave fans a reassurance that this team is still at the top of their game.
After the Los Angeles Clippers historic 31-point Game 2 comeback, many held their breath when the Golden State Warriors found themselves up 31 in Game 3. However, with their pedal on the medal, this team showed no signs of relapse with their widening lead.
The Warriors ended Game 3 up 27 points with a final score of 132-105.
The Warriors knew that the disappointment of Game 2 was going to haunt them into their third postseason match. This time around, they didn’t let the Clippers gain any momentum. Durant being left in the bulk of the third quarter helped steady their scoring and prevent a comeback.
It was more than just that though. It was the fact that Golden State, for the second straight game put up over 130 points. Combine that with the resilience shown to quiet a rocking Staples Center after a heart-breaking loss, and you have a team that continues to prove why they’re the best.
The Warriors 3-peat will be no easy feat.
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While they’re flying through their first-round matchup, their second-round matchup will likely be with the Houston Rockets, who are up 2-0 in their series against the Jazz. The only team dominating their opponent like Golden State, the James Harden-led Rockets will command the best from Golden State.
This means their entire team, including coach Kerr, must be prepared for the onslaught of offense by Harden and Chris Paul. However, from what we’ve seen from this group in their opening series, getting through Houston shouldn’t an issue.
Arguably the biggest reason for the confidence is because of the adjustments made by both the superstars and coach Kerr from Game 2 to Game 3.
Kerr did a few things. He stopped allowing Lou Williams a free matchup with centers. He instead would trap or go under screens set for Williams. It also seems like Iguodala found himself on Williams for the bulk of the game. Lou scored just 16 points on 4-for-11 from the field.
The ability to tame one of the league’s most lethal scorers should give hope to those also watching James Harden light up the league this postseason.
Along those lines comes the uber-aggressive Kevin Durant, who was just a few points away from a postseason career-high in Game 3. Durant put up 38 points on 14-for-23 from the field. He also recorded seven assists.
Durant taking it to the Clippers and Kerr finding a way to tame Williams not only allowed the Dubs to win Game 3, but it gave fans the exact reason why this team will likely three-peat.