Game 4 went just as the Golden State Warriors planned it. Win the game and take a 3-1 series lead over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Except, it wasn’t quite that simple.
Even with Ja Morant, the Grizzlies’ leading scorer at a whopping 38 points per game in round two, sitting on the sidelines — the Dubs nearly fumbled this prime opportunity to extend their lead in the series.
The Golden State Warriors survived a slugfest versus the Memphis Grizzlies to take a 3-1 series lead in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
The majority of Game 4 looked exactly how the Grizzlies likely wanted it. It was a mud fight, full of clanked 3-pointers and gritty attacks on the basket. Both offenses struggled and the Warriors, in particular, looked out of sorts.
It’s hard to know how much the lack of Steve Kerr impacted the Dubs. Kerr was absent in Game 4 due to testing positive for COVID-19 prior to the game.
Regardless, the Warriors were not in sync. Multiple plays were boggled as players roamed around the court aimlessly. Any play that did not end in a careless turnover was almost certain to result in a last-second heave due to the entire shot clock being burned in an effortless attempt to generate a clean look.
This brings me to the shot selection of the Warriors.
No one will deny the Dubs are capable of drilling some incredibly difficult shots. We’ve all seen our fair share of “heat check” moments from this group.
Yet, it feels as if the Warriors are attempting more and more of these shots than ever before this season. Most notably Klay Thompson, who has been struggling to settle into the offense since returning from injury.
Golden State finished this strange game by shooting just 9-of-37 from deep (24%) while the trio of Jordan Poole, Curry and Thompson combined to go 4-of-24 (16%).
Had it not been for some absolutely boneheaded plays from Jaren Jackson Jr. and public enemy Dillon Brooks, the Dubs might not have escaped with a victory. Alas, they have a chance to end the series on Wednesday.