Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors lead the Houston Rocket 3-1 after just one win from their advance to the Western Conference semifinals and securing a crucial 109-106 victory in Game 4.
As the series returns to Houston for Game 5, Stephen Curry will use his extensive playoff knowledge to effectively close the series.
The Warriors Sharpshooter reflected his first playoff closeout experience as a valuable learning moment that will keep him informed of his approach over a decade later.
“I remember our first closing game, or our first experience playing Denver in 2013. I think we went up to ten minutes in just a few minutes. We turned the ball over and over and over and felt it was the longest 2-3 minute stretch to finish the game,” Curry explained.
“It’s been helpful to go through it many times over the past decade. It’s just an experience that removes everything from you,” he added.
The 2013 series against Denver is noticeably similar to the current situation for the Warriors. Golden State also led 3-1, but failed to secure the series in Game 5 and ultimately needed Game 6 to progress.
Curry acknowledges the importance of ending the series early for additional rest, but he has a clear look at the challenges ahead, particularly in Game 5, which is in hostile environments in Houston.
“The more you take a rest, the better. You don’t want to ruin the game, but you realize that the close-out game is the most difficult because of despair,” Curry emphasized.
“From the other side, you’re even more challenging to try to do it on the road,” he continued.
“They’re not going to quit. They feed the crowds of the house. That doesn’t mean you need to play perfectly.”
The four-time champion steamed his approach to several key principles: “It’s a long game. Resilient, resilient, you had to be disciplined more than anything. That’s our biggest challenge.”
With Draymond Green, who has Jimmy Butler pinned his defense with him, Curry Warrior appears to be revitalized as a championship contender.
Efficient closing of Houston not only validates a revival, but also provides valuable recovery time before facing the next opponent who promises to become a tough Western Conference playoff gauntlet.