Nov 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee (1) high fives guard Stephen Curry (30) after a basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
These three Golden State Warriors must step up with a huge night against the New York Knicks on Thursday night.
After winning four out of five games during a successful road trip, the Golden State Warriors return home to take on the New York Knicks on Thursday night. The game will be nationally televised on TNT and is sure to be a great battle between two teams filled with superstars.
The Knicks are coming off of a tough loss against the Phoenix suns in overtime and will be looking to try and pull the upset on the road. Kristaps Porzingis is playing incredible basketball right now and will give the Warriors everything they can handle. Here are three players that must step up on Thursday night.
3. JaVale McGee
JaVale McGee finally got to try his hand at starting against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Although he played limited minutes on the floor, McGee was very productive and finished with 9 points and 5 rebounds.
Against Porzingis, McGee is going to have to play efficient minutes yet again on the floor. Porzingis uses his length to his advantage and is able to move like a guard despite being a giant on the floor. His post moves are going to be tough for McGee to handle and it’s going to be important to lock in.
This is yet another golden opportunity for McGee to prove why he should continue to get more minutes and stay in the starting rotation perhaps. Helping limit one of the best big men in the NBA would be huge for him and the Warriors.
Dec 13, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts after stealing a pass from New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 113-109. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
2. Draymond Green
The future Defensive Player of the Year had yet another hallmark moment on Tuesday night. As Anthony Davis backed down Draymond Green on the final play of the game, the Warriors’ defensive stalwart came away with a steal.
It was another highlight moment for what is potentially turning out to be the most focused and determined season Green has ever had on the floor. He will have another test with Carmelo Anthony on Thursday night.
Anthony struggled in the loss against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, thanks in large part to P.J. Tucker. If Green is able to get physical and not give Anthony the looks just like Tucker did for Phoenix, then the Warriors will gain a huge advantage.
Even better for Green is that this marquee battle will be coming on national television. If he can have a hallmark game in front of a large audience, his case for Defensive Player of the Year will continue to grow.
Dec 11, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Warriors won 116-108. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
1. Stephen Curry
When it comes to games with a national audience, no one likes to show up more for them than Stephen Curry. He turns every game at the Oracle into a theater for the ridiculous and he reminds everyone why he plays on another level.
Derrick Rose suffered back spasms against the Phoenix Suns, which means that he likely won’t be suiting up for this one. Brandon Jennings will assume the role of point guard for the Knicks and Curry has to make them pay for being shorthanded.
He’s going to be the guy that has to lead the way in this one, as the Knicks are going to try and take away Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant defensively. If Curry can get hot early it’s going to be a long night for New York.
The Knicks are trying to stay near the top of the Eastern Conference after climbing their way back up there. They’re not happy after the loss to Phoenix and want to come out firing on all cylinders. It’s important for Curry to set the tone for his team early and hope that they follow.
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