NBA Playoffs 2018: 5 keys to Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors matchup

By Ti Windisch | May 10, 2018

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 17: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors defends against James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets on October 17, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5 of 6

HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 20: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors breaks down court as Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets and Kevin Durant #35 pursue at Toyota Center on January 20, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

2. Is Steph healthy?

The 2016 NBA Finals are noteworthy for a whole lot of reasons, but one of the biggest storylines for that entire postseason was Stephen Curry’s health. Curry still played pretty well even after returning after hitting a particularly bad wet spot, but compared to his explosive regular season he did take a step back.

Steph missed part of this postseason as well, and although he nailed his first pull-up 3 after checking into his first game back he has looked a bit off. Still, Curry has managed 24.5 points per game on 47.8 percent from the field and 44.1 percent from deep. I wish my off days were that productive.

Anyone who has watched his three games in the playoffs has noticed pretty easily that Curry is not playing to his usual explosive standard though, at least not consistently. A few 3s here and there have ensured his scoring averages aren’t too low, and even less than 100 percent Steph is a very good player.

If he does get back to 100 percent in the several days off the Warriors earned before the Western Conference Finals begin, Houston might have a problem. Peak Curry is simply unstoppable, and its demoralizing watching him drain whatever shots he feels like taking. If he doesn’t get back to full strength, the Rockets’ chances increase substantially.

Home/Golden State Warriors