Golden State Warriors missed chance to rest while MEM battles
By Tony Pesta
The Golden State Warriors had an opportunity to kick their feet back and rest for a week while the Memphis Grizzlies continued battling the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first round matchup.
Now, with the Denver Nuggets taking Game 4 and avoiding the sweep, Golden State will have to suit up for another game on Wednesday.
A sweep would have granted the Golden State Warriors a week of rest before advancing to the second round. Now, they have to buckle up again.
Rest is hard to find in the playoffs. Sure, each team is able to avoid playing back-to-backs but the intensity of the postseason adds a strain to each outing. The pressure is higher than ever and the games are more exhausting for the top-tier teams.
This is why wrapping up the first round in four games would have been a luxury for the Warriors. They would have finished the series on Sunday, not having to compete again until the weekend, at the earliest.
Why is this? Well, the Grizzlies and Wolves are deadlocked at 2-2. The series can’t end until Friday and could go all the way to Sunday if it goes the distance.
Memphis, who was the heavy favorite heading into the matchup, has had their hands full with a gritty Wolves team. It has been a treat to watch two young, hungry teams scrap for each possession — and the Warriors have to be happy to see their next opponent, whether it be Memphis or Minnesota, struggling to advance.
That youth will come into play once the second round starts. Neither the Wolves nor Grizzlies are accustomed to playing deep into the season, the grind is bound to catch up with them as the playoffs rage on.
For the aging Dubs, an extra few days to recoup would have been nice. Instead, Golden State will have to keep pressing onward and focusing on the team in front of them.