It was the battle of the premier guards, as Stephen Curry and the Warriors took on Ja Morant’s Grizzlies in Game-1. In a high octane Western Conference semifinal, it was the Dubs who came out victorious on the day. Not by much though, as their slender 117-116 win could’ve well been reversed too. However, veteran Klay Thompson’s clutch 3-pointer in the dying minutes sealed the deal.
KLAY CLUTCH!!!!!
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In the post match chat, Thompson revealed that he played the match with “anger” in his veins. After all, it was an intense encounter, with both sides firing their shots. It was a sign of things to come, as potentially six tussles await us all.
Perhaps the incident that turned the game on its head, was the shocking ejection of GSW’s beloved 32-year-old Draymond Green. Among other things, this may have fueled an inner energy in Steve Kerr’s men. But what did Steph have to say about the emotions that were flowing?
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Stephen Curry evaluates Golden State’s emotional performance in Game-1 vs Grizzlies
Ahead of the match-up, it seemed like all the clouds had descended over two men – Stephen Curry and Ja Morant. And when the elite point guards came face to face, it was entertaining to say the least.
Although Ja got the better of his opposition on numerous occasions, his 34 point showing was overshadowed by Curry’s impeccable block on him in the dying minutes. Moreover, the second half of the Splash Brothers nailed the eventual game winner, as he has on so many occasions over the years.
Speaking about the intense clash, Curry was asked about Klay’s anger, and whether the Warriors planned on playing with such emotion. Not to forget, young Jordan Poole also put in a charged up performance, delivering 31 points. Responding to what Klay had said, the 8-time All-Star replied, “Maybe he was talking about just missing shots early, and ones that he expects to make. But whatever way you explain it, whatever emotion you tie it to, you just bring it.”
He continued, “Obviously when Draymond went out, there’s a moment where you’re like ‘what we gonna do, how’re we gonna figure this out?’ Go in at half-time, regroup, come out, play the way that we did. Really proud of everybody and their approach to the game.”
Can Ja Morant turn the tide in Game-2, and restore parity in this seven-match series? Or is Golden State’s experience going to be too much? Let’s wait and watch.
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