Stephen Curry struggled on the floor during Game 5. Can the Golden State Warriors win another NBA title if their primary scoring option has a difficult night?
Winning an NBA title requires a collective effort from every member of the team. From the coaching staff to the players, the level of focus must stay consistent for teams to compete in the biggest games of the season.
Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors know what it takes to bring home championship hardware. Their previous encounters with LeBron James and other legends in the big dance have helped the team in their current series.
Monday’s win against the Boston Celtics showed fans how versatile the Warriors’ roster can be. When the team needed to put points on the board, players with different roles were able to contribute. Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson carried the brunt of the scoring responsibilities, combining for 47 of the Golden States’ points. While Curry struggled from the three-point line, Wiggins took over as the team’s primary scorer.
Golden State Warriors played behind Andrew Wiggins
Wiggins led the team in scoring for the first time in his playoff career. His 26 points were the most scored by a Warriors other than Stephen Curry this series. Cuts to the basket and determination in the painted area gave Wiggins an advantage over his matchups throughout the game. Aggressive pick-and-roll situations forced Boston’s defense to switch onto Wiggins mid-play, granting the seventh-year veteran room to make things happen.
Stephen Curry struggled from the floor in front of his home fans. The three-point sniper finished the game 0-9 from behind the three-point line. Curry was not the only Warrior who struggled to find a rhythm while attempting the team’s signature shot. When the final buzzer sounded, Golden State had a 22.5% three-point percentage – one of the lowest averages of the season.
Monday’s performance displayed Golden State’s roster depth. Despite Stephen Curry’s struggles, the Warriors advanced one step closer to obtaining another Larry O’Brien trophy. If the Splash Brothers come ready to compliment Wiggins’ hot streak, Game 6 be the final series game.
Staying alive will be the focus for Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Their efforts on the court have kept spirits alive. Game 6 will be crucial for both players’ legacy. ESPN’s Basketball Power Index has given the Celtics a 68.4% chance to win the game – forcing an anticipated Game 7. As the series begins to dwindle, each game will become more important.