Golden State Warriors must seize Game 4 opportunity

It’s not how anyone wants the series to play out but with Ja Morant likely to be on the sidelines for Game 4, the Golden State Warriors have no excuses.

Morant has been the driving force behind Memphis’ success in the playoffs. I mean this quite literally, as his relentless pressure on the rim has opened up opportunities for everyone on the Grizzlies, even when Morant isn’t playing his best.

The Golden State Warriors will have no excuse if they drop Game 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies without Ja Morant in the lineup.

The NBA’s Most Improved Player is averaging a blistering hot 38.3 points on 50.6% shooting against the Warriors in round two. With Ja on the sidelines due to an unfortunate knee injury, the Warriors will have a major threat off of the board.

Or will they?

Morant is without a doubt playing at a level few Warriors’ opponents have reached. Yet, the Grizzlies were without Morant for much of the regular season (25 games) and their lack of a superstar did not hold them back at any point.

In fact, the Grizzlies held a higher win percentage (80%) without Morant, winning 20 of 25 games.

Much of this is due to a deep rotation of quality players like 3-and-D sniper Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson, Dillon Brooks and Tyus Jones.

Nevertheless, Memphis will be missing a major component to their success in Game 4. And, the regular season can only be credited for so much once the playoffs start. With how Morant has been playing in this series, it’s hard to argue that the Grizz will be better off without him.

Shifting to the Warriors’ perspective, you play who is in front of you. No one is happy Morant will be on the bench but it is crucial for the Dubs to take a stand and extend their series lead to 3-1.

This second round matchup has been a battle and a wasted opportunity in Game 4 could come back to haunt Golden State later down the line.