December 5, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) celebrates after scoring a three-point basket against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pacers 142-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Golden State Warriors are going to need their superstars to deliver the knockout punch at home against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night.
The Golden State Warriors are feeling great after picking up yet another win at home on Thursday night. With a win over the New York Knicks, the Warriors are within one game of moving to 20 games over .500 on the season.
They will have their chance to move 20 games over on Saturday night, when they host the Portland Trail Blazers. The Trail Blazers have been up and down on the year and haven’t quite resembled the team took everyone by surprise last season. Still, this can and will give the Warriors fits. These three superstars must step up on Saturday night.
3. Klay Thompson
This is a game where Klay Thompson can be the one to deliver the knockout blow for the Warriors. In a sense, he can be the added jab that Portland simply can’t take any more of. Everyone knows that Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are going to get points in this game. That’s where Thompson is even more important than ever.
The Trail Blazers have the scorers on their team to stay in any offensive battle with a squad. However, they only have so many guys that can try and keep up with the Warriors if Curry, Durant and Thompson are all at their best.
If Thompson can chip in and have a huge night along with Curry and Durant, then this thing could be blowout city at home. Thompson’s the guy that continually proves just how deep and ridiculous Golden State is with superstar depth.
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
While the trio of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson try to put the Trail Blazers in a hole on Saturday night, Draymond Green is going to have a big role of his own to take on. Versatility is going to be his best friend in this contest.
With the Trail Blazers having the ability to spread the floor with various shooters of all sizes, Green is very likely to be playing just about every defensive position. He’s likely to guard anyone he sees to say the least.
He has been sealing games lately for the Warriors with huge defensive performances. The biggest thing he can do against Portland is force them into committing turnovers early. If he can frustrate them and give the Warriors fast break opportunities, then Golden State is going to be in a great spot.
He will also probably work down low for a bit when the Warriors decide to go small as well. This is yet another game for him to take over and really make his mark toward being the next Defensive Player of the Year in the NBA.
Dec 13, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
1. Stephen Curry
While there are several factors in a game between the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers, it ultimately always ends up boiling down to Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard. There always comes that point in the game where both players take over and try to win it for their team.
No one knows when that point is going to come during the action on Saturday night, but it’s going to happen. This is where Curry needs to put together one of those ridiculous nights where he can’t miss from the floor.
That requires getting some open looks and establishing a rhythm early. The Warriors like to move the ball around and find the hot hand with their offense, but they need to get Curry his shots early so he can be ready when Lillard starts going off as well.
Superstar battles are what every basketball fan dreams of watching. This is one of those great battles that we are privileged of watching every season. Lillard brings a competitive spirit and wants to be the best. The same can be said about Curry. This battle will be yet another chapter in their rivalry.
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