Golden State Warriors: 3 Keys to winning Play-In Tournament

By Tony Pesta | May 9, 2021

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 06: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chase Center on May 06, 2021 in San Francisco, 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

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Golden State Warriors Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Golden State Warriors’ key: Stephen Curry goes nuclear

As should be expected, the key to the Golden State Warriors winning the Play-In falls in the hands of Stephen Curry.

The single-elimination format is practically built for a player like Curry, remember his March Madness run with Davidson? The potential for a barrage of 3-pointers to derail everything and pole vault the Warriors into the playoffs is what makes Curry the ultimate threat to teams in the Play-In.

The Warriors are just 3-7 in games where Curry scores 20 or fewer points. However, even if Curry is on fire, that is no guarantee the Dubs will win anymore. Golden State is just 3-2 when Curry scores 45+ points this season.

There is no point in pretending the Warriors’ supporting cast is trustworthy. While sure, they’ve had great moments, it will take a special type of performance for Curry to overcome any potential shortcomings from his teammates.

It might feel cheap to say Curry is the determining factor in how the Dubs fare in the Play-In, but it is the truth. If Curry doesn’t dominate, the Warriors might be headed home early.

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