Jan 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors won 126-113. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
2. Golden State can slow down James Harden
Houston can say all they want, but they have to admit that Klay Thompson got the better of James Harden during the regular season. Harden struggled to start the postseason but has been playing better as of late.
During the season, Harden averaged 25.3 points per game but shot the ball poorly at 40 percent from the field, 24 percent from beyond the arc, and even a below average for him 78 percent from the free-throw line.
Jan 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; y Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
His plus/minus against Golden State is -17.2, the lowest against anyone this season. Thompson, Barnes, Andre Iguodala, and even Shaun Livingston with his length can disturb Harden. They won’t shut him down like they did in the regular season, but there’s no doubt that they can limit The Beard.
1. They have no one to guard Stephen Curry
Curry dominated the Rockets this season. In the four contests, he averaged 25.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game while shooting 57 percent from the field and 51 percent from beyond the arc.
Patrick Beverley is a player that has been able to get under Curry’s skin in the past. He is a tough, hard-nosed perimeter defender and one of the best for his position. Without him playing, Curry will be able to run wild. The MVP succeeded against Beverley this season, anyway, as shown in the numbers above.
Jason Terry and Trevor Ariza will both see time on Curry during the series. Ariza’s length could limit Curry on some possessions, but he will ultimately get the better of him due to his superior skill-set and speed. And it’s clear, Terry simply has no chance of stopping Curry.