Curry’s Historic Night Proves Ineffective in Game 3

Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is defended by Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 2 in Toronto, Canada.
Gregory Shamus/Getty

OAKLAND – Stephen Curry’s phenomenal performance was not enough to overcome the Raptors onslaught in Game 3. The Golden State Warriors lost to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night 123-109 behind the poor overall performance of the Warriors outside of Curry.

Curry scored 47 points with 8 rebounds and 7 assists in 43 minutes while the rest of the starting rotation accounted for 36 points. The point guard looked unstoppable, sinking some improbable shots while driving into the paint to draw multiple fouls, shooting 13 for 14 from the line.

What cost the Warriors a win in the game was the play from the starters. With Klay Thompson inactive from the hamstring strain and Kevin Durant absent from the lineup once again, the Warriors were short-handed and it was a clear example of how the Warriors can not survive in the playoffs or as a team with only a couple superstars in Curry and Green. It takes a village and in this case, the village is burning down in Golden State.

The Raptors were aiming to control the game offensively since the defensive end was not too much of a concern because the play makers were missing on the Warriors. Leonard and the Raptors did just that, with every starter putting up at least 17 points. Gasol and Siakam dominated the field and put up 17 and 18 points. Leonard put up 30 points combined from the three-point line and the inside, as well as 23 points from Lowry who shot 5 for 9 from the three-point line. The Raptors dominated all-around and it was on full display, proving too much for the Warriors defense.

For the Warriors to win, they have to minimize the outside shooters using the guards to do so. Since Klay and Durant will likely be available for Game 4, the Warriors should be able to do this. Meanwhile, the team needs to work on creating opportunities underneath for Cousins and Draymond to score and contribute. As for the three-point shooting, Curry must look outside of himself and Thompson and take on the role of a set-up man.

The series took an interesting turn with the Raptors Game 3 victory, but the Warriors are still in control because of their advantages when they have a full, healthy squad. If Durant misses Game 4, the Warriors will be in trouble, but otherwise, they will be fine. One game does not define the outcome of a series.