May 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) goes to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) during the game in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Golden State Warriors beat Memphis Grizzlies 101-84. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
“After watching Game 3, we saw that we just got punked.”
No, these weren’t the words of Draymond Green or Andrew Bogut, who are usually the ones spewing gems following games. Instead, it was Harrison Barnes; the much maligned third-year forward who is evolving right in front of our eyes.
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Barnes has never been one to grab the microphone, never one to say any more words than he has to. Known as “The Senator” for his stoic posture and perfect vernacular, Barnes is normally the first to enter the showers and last to come back to his locker, avoiding the media scrum if he’s not already chosen to speak in front of the camera.
May 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
His identity has been mostly curious, often getting lost on a team with better players and brighter stars. He’s performed well in previous seasons, most notably in the playoffs his rookie season against the Denver Nuggets with averaged of 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds on 44 percent shooting. His inconsistency during the regular season has been met with much angst and frustration amongst everyone that sees the athletic gifts, spurts of offensive prowess and defensive stints that would make Ron Adams proud.
He’s changed his tune this postseason, at times being the best player on the floor for team that has an MVP, All-Stars and numerous league veterans. His firmness following an impressive Game 4 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies was the most telling sign of not only growth as a player, but maturity. Crunching his fist into his hands, displaying a sense of leadership, and going “right back at em’” has never been his nature, until now.
The mythical version of Barnes known as “Playoff Barnes” is itching closer to a constant. At the very least, that’s what the organization, coaches and fans are hoping for. On Monday, he turned in another solid performance, which brings his postseason totals to 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds on 51 percent shooting in eight games. Barnes has been especially good against the Grizzlies, displaying an offensive skill-set, defensive intensity and activity that his team sorely needed.
His teammates did little to help his efforts in the two games leading up to Monday, which had many (again) questioning everything from Steve Kerr’s coaching to Steph Curry’s MVP award. The Warriors never swayed, entrusting their season on the new coaching staff and the aforementioned Curry, who looked every bit the MVP with 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists on 50 percent shooting.
May 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
“As long as there’s another game, there’s an opportunity to change it,” said Curry following the 101-84 win over the Grizzlies. This might not have been the case with the previous staff, who were criticized – and fired – for staying true to the process. For those who only watch this team once a week, the Warriors find an offensive rhythm through their defense, and that’s exactly what happened in Game 4.
The Warriors were getting mauled inside the previous two games; succumbing to the bigger, more experienced Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. They were not only scoring, but making plays on the offensive end as well as establishing position at will. With Conley back, the Grizzlies looked every bit the championship contender they’ve been the past few seasons. The narratives were creeping back into the limelight, as the Warriors were missing shots, playing small and were simply looking outclassed.
“It was probably our most competitive effort of the playoffs,” said Kerr. “Particularly when it comes to playing every second.” It started early, as the Warriors got out to an eight-point lead after the first quarter due to their urgency, a change in defensive philosophy and shots finally falling. Stellar defense from Thompson on Conley, Barnes bodying (and fronting) Randolph, additional doubles and Bogut leaving Tony Allen not only provided stops, but also let the Warriors find their rhythm on the other end.
Curry didn’t score until 3:30 left in the first quarter, which doesn’t seem to be a recipe for early success in the playoffs. But, the greatness in Curry is much more than the threat of his historically great shooting stroke. Instead, he focused on getting others involved, particularly Green in pick-and-roll scenarios which lead to 11 points in the first quarter – 4-for-5 from the field — from the former Michigan State Spartan.
May 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
The Warriors held a lead after a quarter for the first time in eight quarters, and they never looked back. Forcing the Grizzlies to catch up to an early deficit is exactly what the doctor ordered, as Memphis isn’t prone to the pace and scoring that the Warriors are. Curry’s 14-point barrage in the second quarter seemingly killed any chance Memphis had at this game, as the team found answers defensively while seeing results they’ve been clamoring for the last two contests.
It wasn’t a perfect game from the Warriors, but with their season on the line they provided the team effort (David Lee!) necessary to get the job done. They can’t expect 21 turnovers to go unscathed again, and the Grizzlies aren’t ones to bow down to the away atmosphere either. But if Game 4 was any indication, the Warriors have the talent and now, urgency, to take control of the series.
The Warriors once again looked like the 67-win powerhouse that made them title favorites entering the playoffs, and a giddy Oracle crowd awaits them on Wednesday. The offense was fluid once again, and their defense crashed Randolph and Gasol enough inside where others had to contribute. As Green so happily mentioned after the game, he loves being the villain, and the Warriors can only benefit from keeping this same type of ferocity the remainder of the series.