Golden State Warriors: 5 Takeaways From Crazy Game 3

Apr 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) scores on a three point basket over New Orleans Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans (1) and forward Anthony Davis (23) and guard Quincy Pondexter (20) during the final seconds of the fourth quarter sending the game into overtime in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 123-119 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans mascot Pierre the Pelican reacts during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 123-119 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

5. No Lead Is Safe

This one should be obvious. All the Pelicans had to do for the last 12 minutes of the game was run some clock, hit a few shots, own the boards and play some defense. Instead, they gave up 39 fourth quarter points and 15 overtime points to squander their 20-advantage heading into the final frame.

For perspective, New Orleans’ stifling D had held Curry and the Dubs to 69 points through the first three quarters. In the fourth quarter and OT, that defense surrendered 54 points. This is a lesson to the rest of the NBA: this team isn’t dead until the buzzards come to pick at the bones.

On a night where the Warriors had nothing going them, they somehow emerged with a victory in a hostile playoff environment. The Dubs can’t afford to come out sloppy against the more experienced teams they’ll face later on, but Game 3 was a warning to the rest of the league that even on their off nights, the Warriors are capable of catching fire at any given moment.

Next: No. 4

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