Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs is always the most pivotal game. The biggest turning point of the series is right here. Golden State going up 3-0 basically guarantees a win in the series. If Portland can snatch this game on their home court than the series may shift momentum and take it would also take us to a Game 5 in Oakland where the Blazers could still stay alive.
Reports via ESPN recently stated that Jusuf Nurkic (leg) has been updated to doubtful for Game 3. He hasn’t played since March 30th and at a time like this, as much as Portland needs Nurkic I don’t think it would be great to insert him back in the lineup with the momentum of the playoffs; but then again.. Coach Stotts might already have a backup game plan ready for his return.
No news on Kevin Durant (calf) or Shaun Livingston (hand) has yet to be released. Last game was a blowout so they really weren’t needed. All the “others” of Golden State really won this game. Javale McGee, Ian Clark, Pat Mccaw, and also David West were impressive off the bench; logging a bunch of minutes and stats for the team. A bit overshadowing the down games of Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson.
All of the stars sort of stunk up the place with Curry scoring a game-high 19 (6-18 FG and 4-12 from deep) also adding 6 rebounds and assist. Thompson so far has yet to find a groove in any of the two games play. Lillard & McCollum struggled (after dropping a combined 75 points in game 1) from the pesky Warriors defense that turned it up in the third quarter to open the bigger gap every more.
Saturday we all head to Portland for a game 3 I’m sure we are all craving. I don’t know what to expect out of Thompson after letting down Oracle two games in a row but I’m honestly not worried about him because we know he can explode for 37 in a quarter, 60 in a game, 12 threes, and more amazing Klay Thompson accolades.
If Durant and Livingston return from their injuries then they better come prepared to the ball because we know Lillard and McCollum are ready to put on a show for their Portland crowd. Maurice Harkless was Portland’s leading man with just 15, and that’s a hat off to the number one ranked defense in the league. Proving they are ready to be champs they will have to continue winning and continue to play with confidence; even with the misses. Keep shooting boys.
If Portland looks to get a game under their belts and stretch this game to 5 games then Lillard and McCollum need to do a little more than just scoring. Spreading the ball and getting others involved early will open up the game later for them if the Golden State defense has to guard the perimeter of the rest of the team.
Tipoff is tonight at 9:30 p.m.
