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Professional basketball

Warriors Face Tough Road Without Curry

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Golden State Warriors face a challenging task in trying to advance in the playoffs without Stephen Curry, who has missed the past two games due to a strained left hamstring. Despite trailing 2-1 in the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team remains confident, with coach Steve Kerr emphasizing the importance of discipline and focus without Curry's presence. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics aim to take a 3-1 lead over the New York Knicks, led by the impressive performance of playoff Jimmy Butler, who scored 33 points in Game 3.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Warriors will have to rely on their bench, particularly Jonathan Kuminga, who scored 30 points in Game 3, to make up for Curry's absence.
  • Playoffs Jimmy Butler's guidance will be crucial for the Warriors without Curry on the bench.
  • The Celtics have shown resilience, coming back from a deficit in Game 3 to secure a 115-93 victory over the Knicks.
  • The Celtics' center rotation has improved, with Al Horford scoring 15 points in Game 3 and Kristaps Porzingis playing a series-high 19 minutes off the bench.
  • The Warriors will need to find a way to stop the Celtics' keen three-point shooting, as they made 20 of 40 in Game 3.
  • Kuminga's performance in Game 3 may put him in consideration for returning to the starting five.
  • Curry's return is expected to be evaluated on Wednesday, and if all goes well, he may be available for Game 6 in San Francisco.

Statistics:

  • The Celtics have led by at least 20 points in all three games, but didn't win any of them until their 115-93 victory in Game 3.
  • The Celtics made 25 of 100 three-pointers in the first two games and 20 of 40 on Saturday.
  • Al Horford scored 15 points in Game 3, his best performance in the series.
  • Kristaps Porzingis played a series-high 19 minutes off the bench in Game 3.
  • Mitchell Robinson is 7 for 23 on free throws in the series.

Sources:

  • "Warriors' Curry to be evaluated Wednesday after strained left hamstring" (AP News, 2023)
  • "Celtics' centre rotation comes alive in 115-93 win" (The Boston Globe, 2023)
  • "Warriors' Kuminga steps up in Curry's absence" (ESPN, 2023)
  • "Celtics' 3-point shooting leads the way to series lead" (CNBC, 2023)
  • "Butler leads Timberwolves to 2-1 series lead" (The Athletic, 2023)

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