Golden State Warriors: 5 Reasons To Resist Game 2 Panic

May 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts after missing a basket while being fouled during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 4, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry with the 2014-2015 NBA Most Valuable Player trophy at the Oakland Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Emotion Of MVP Night

Last night was not the first time a team has lost on the night their MVP was presented with his Maurice Podoloff trophy, and it won’t be the last. Much like the first game of the regular season, when the defending champions unveil their banner and are presented with championship rings, it’s an emotional night that makes it hard to focus on the actual basketball game.

Stephen Curry was more than deserving of his MVP Award. It was a happy moment for him and for Warriors fans everywhere, especially since he became the first Warrior since Wilt Chamberlain to win the award (and at the time, the Dubs weren’t even located in California).

Curry's MVP ceremony, Tony Allen's comments, Mike Conley's mask -- this is a great setup for a playoff game
— Ethan Strauss (@SherwoodStrauss) May 6, 2015

But it’s undeniably difficult to focus on the game at hand with the happy emphasis on one individual’s monumental achievements. There’s a certain level of emotion to the MVP presentation and if you think it didn’t play a part in Curry’s 19-points-on-19-shots performance, you’re kidding yourself.

Is it a valid excuse come playoff time? No. But did it play a factor? Probably. The Grizzlies played a great game, but they weren’t THAT great to explain how the Warriors lost for only the third time in 45 games this season.

Next: No. 4

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