Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from Game 4 clincher vs. Blazers

1. Curry and Draymond firing on all cylinders

With a player of the all-time caliber like Kevin Durant on the mend, the traditional method of thinking would suggest his teammates would struggle in his absence. Not only was that not the case with two of Golden State’s best players, but Stephen Curry and Draymond Green actually managed to elevate their level of play all series long.

Curry’s Game 4 triple-double wrapped up a conference final that saw him average 36.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 42.6 percent from downtown. The 146 points registered over the four games was the most by any player in a postseason sweep.

Green was terrific once again, finishing with a triple-double himself of 18 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, marking the first ever playoff game with two teammates recording triple-doubles. In KD’s absence, he stepped up mightily against Portland, averaging 16.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists along with 2.8 blocks and 2.3 steals per game.

There’s a stark contrast to the way these two operate both with and without Durant. Steph’s conscience shuts off if only just a bit while Draymond becomes empowered in the point forward role that helped elevate him to All-Star status. Even off made baskets by the Blazers, he was constantly pushing the basketball up the court looking for any crack in the defense that could lead to a bucket.

Klay Thompson completes the vaunted Big 3 of Golden State, but there’s no denying his separate place in the leadership hierarchy. Steph and Draymond have long been the engines pumping swagger and confidence into this team, doing so on a level that’s created one of the greatest dynasties ever.

There’s no telling when or even if Durant will return during the Finals. Both the Raptors and Bucks would prove to be worthy competitors, but with Golden State’s leaders playing arguably their best basketball of the season, there’s little reason to think a third straight championship is any less in reach.