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Golden State Warriors can’t afford reduced scoring output from their superstar

By Peter O'Keefe

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 06: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during game three of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 06, 2023 in Los Angeles, 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 06: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during game three of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 06, 2023 in Los Angeles, 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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The pressure is well and truly on the Golden State Warriors heading into Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, with the defending champions facing the prospect of a 3-1 deficit if they can’t turn the tables from a horror Game 3 loss on Saturday.

It’s been a productive series thus far for superstar Stephen Curry, but he certainly hasn’t put his stamp on the matchup from a scoring aspect just yet. Ahead of a practically must-win Game 4, that simply has to change for the Warriors to garner success.

The Golden State Warriors simply aren’t good enough to win this seven-game series without monumental scoring outputs from their two-time MVP.

Curry played the perfect point-guard game in Game 2 at Chase Center, utilizing his gravity to set up teammates as part of 12 assists in the Warriors’ dominant 127-100 victory. Yet in the grand scheme of the series, the Lakers are likely happy to allow Curry to play that facilitating role rather than feel the wrath of his scoring exploits.

The reigning Finals MVP produced a commanding 50-point performance against the Sacramento Kings in Game 7, but has averaged just 23.3 points through three games against the Lakers. Although it may have led to a blowout win in Game 2, that’s not a sustainable method should Golden State wish to advance to the Conference Finals.

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This iteration of the Warriors isn’t as dominant or talented as those of the past, and therefore it’s unfeasible for them to win this series with Curry averaging less than 25 points per game. Golden State need more of the isolation, pick-and-roll heavy Curry who took a career-high 38 field-goal attempts against the Kings in Game 7.

The 35-year-old is still shooting an elite 46.4% from three-point range through the first three games. Therefore, Steve Kerr and the coaching staff have to find a response to the Lakers’ defense, one that allows Curry to turn that efficiency into a more dominant scoring presence.

Golden State faced a similar prospect in their last Game 4 on the road — the 2022 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. With he and his team’s backs against the wall, Curry responded with an historic 43-point display that completely shifted the complexion of the series.

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Warrior fans will be hoping history can repeat as the Warriors seek to resist being placed on the brink of elimination. If Curry can’t manufacture a 30+ point outing in Game 4, then their chances of tying the series at 2-2 becomes a lot more challenging.

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