Golden State Warriors: 5 Takeaways From Game 3 vs. Blazers
1. Curry Might Need To Return Soon
There’s no reason to overreact…but there’s also no need to deny the obvious: With the Blazers making this something of a series again, the biggest question for the Golden State Warriors revolves around when Steph Curry will return.
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To clarify, the Warriors probably don’t need Steph Curry to return for Game 4. They’re entirely capable of stealing one on the road and closing this series out in five games, much like they did against the Houston Rockets in the first round after dropping Game 3.
But the Dubs need Curry at his peak MVP form before reaching the Western Conference Finals (assuming they make it there). They’ll likely be facing a defensive juggernaut in the San Antonio Spurs at that point, and any time they can feed Curry to help shake off the rust before then will be welcome.
The Warriors shouldn’t rush him back in a series they can win without him, but if he’s good to go for Monday’s Game 4, they’d be foolish to sit him in a cautionary move. Losing Game 4 with Curry sidelined would not only make this a series, but it’d also put a ton of pressure on him to return and deliver right away in a must-win Game 5. The less playoff mileage the Warriors accrue for the rest of the roster, the better.
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Since Curry was listed as “doubtful” heading into Game 3, there’s a chance he’ll be ready in time for Game 4. If he is, the Warriors have to gauge what percent he’s at and seriously weigh pros and cons of playing him.