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Fansided

The Golden State Warriors have made CJ McCollum doubt his shot

By Steffen Pedersen

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 14: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors battles for a loose ball with CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half in game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 14: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors battles for a loose ball with CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half in game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Over and over, CJ McCollum was swarmed by the Golden State Warriors defenders on Tuesday’s game and it quickly made the shooting guard look shaky.

Tuesday night in Oracle Arena two plays by the Golden State Warriors were especially key to shut down CJ McCollum who early seemed without confidence.

The Portland shooting guard was crushing against Denver Nuggets in their game 7 drama with 37 points. But Tuesday he was constantly met by double teams and sometimes even three guys. Both Iguodala and Klay took turns on him with Green also meeting him.

The first sign of the McCollum loss of faith occurred with exactly 7:09 to go in the 2nd quarter. Rodney Hood stole the ball from Iguodala and found CJ on the right side. Klay was on him but at least 6 feet away when McCollum caught the pass. CJ hesitated and Klay flew by him. Now Quinn Cook was the only defender near him. But again McCollum waited mysteriously – and then passed the ball to Seth Curry.

A minute before this play CJ McCollum had been blocked at the rim by Iguodala and things weren’t going his way. It wasn’t just because shots weren’t falling – it was an overall feeling of being stormed every time he had the possession.

The second quarter simply took CJ’s dynamic Portland breath away and he never fully recovered.

With 1:16 to go before half time McCollum received a pass from Lillard and immediately got Curry on him. When he made his move Klay double-teamed him and the ball was lost. Klay threw himself on the floor, passed the ball to Green lying and Curry got the pass in transition.

Curry caught Harkless off balance and passed him with an easy layup. Kanter never left his spot in paint and no help came trying to trap Curry.

This was a beautiful example of the different ability to defend – all caught within a few seconds. The Warriors non stop helping each other – and Portland not able to do the same.

McCollum ended the night with 17 points. But Warriors should beware!

If they want the same result Thursday night they will need the same intensity in defense. To think Portland will be an easy target is a mistake. Lillard and McCollum must be met with the same ferocity.

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Thursday night will show whether McCollum will bounce back – or whether Klay and the Warriors just scared him straight.

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