Fansided

Warriors sprint away from Trail Blazers: 3 takeaways from Game 3

By Dre Elder

Apr 22, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after the Warriors score on the Portland Trail Blazers in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after the Warriors score on the Portland Trail Blazers in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Warriors completely overwhelmed the Trail Blazers during a second half surge to run away with the win in Game 3.

Kevin Durant was out, again. Steve Kerr was out. Jusuf Nurkic was in. Same result for the Trail Blazers. The Warriors fought back from a 16-point deficit in the third quarter to defeat the Trail Blazers 119-113 in Game 3. However, this game was a tale of two halves. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum dropped buckets aplenty and the crowd was rocking at Moda Center. Portland led by 13 points after 24 minutes.

Well, the NBA game is 48 minutes. And the Warriors took advantage of the final 24 minutes by outscoring Portland by 19 points. Their surge began with a 19-1 run midway through the third quarter as Klay Thompson got hot from distance. The Warriors carried that momentum into the fourth and held off the Blazers to snatch a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.

Takeaways

Pressure continues to bust Portland’s pipes. Portland has been tied or leading going into the fourth quarter in two of the three games played in this series. Last night, the Trail Blazers led by as much as 16 points in the third quarter and carried a one-point lead into the final frame. Then, Portland unraveled and committed sloppy turnovers that led to transition threes for the Warriors.

Things worsened for Portland in the fourth as Golden State’s defensive pressure disarmed them. Portland finished the game with16 turnovers and was unable to stop Golden State’s onslaught. For all the energy in the building, the Trail Blazers still could not rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

Golden State has not yet played a complete game. Golden State has started games slow. Their defense has been lackluster for stretches. The Splash Brothers have missed a lot of shots they normally make. Shaun Livingston and Matt Barnes have not participated. And Kevin Durant has missed the last two games. Still, the Warriors have pushed the Trail Blazers to the brink of elimination as they lead the series 3-0.

The Warriors are winning by an average margin of 15.7 points despite not being at their best. When they have decided to lock-in defensively, it’s been scary. Can you imagine how imposing they’ll be at full strength?

Next: 30 best NBA players who never won a championship

Javale McGee is the Warriors’ ringer. The 9-year veteran from Flint, Michigan spent much of the last few years warming benches for various teams. Now, he finds himself playing a pivotal role on one of the most talented teams ever assembled. The cap-strapped Warriors initially signed McGee to a non-guaranteed deal for him to essentially try out during training camp.

Through three playoff games, McGee is averaging 11.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2 blocks in only 13 minutes per game. The Warriors are a combined +51 in the series when McGee is on the floor. He’s been a force on both ends with timely blocks and nasty dunks.

https://twitter.com/warriors/status/856001767137357824

Good things happen when Javale McGee is on the court. Who knew? And for all intents and purposes, this series is over.

Home/Golden State Warriors