Stephen Curry has been on a tear since the NBA Finals began. Until Game 5, Curry averaged 34.2 points per game, highlighted by a 43-point and 10 rebound explosion in Game 4.
But in Game 5, Curry’s rocketship of momentum came back down to earth after finishing Monday night’s game with 16 points on 7-22 shooting from the field, including missing all nine of his three-point attempt.
Coach Steve Kerr wasn’t surprised that Curry ended up having an off night.
“I think Steph was probably due for a game like this,” Kerr said per NBCSports. “He’s been shooting the ball so well. At some point, he’s going to have a tough night. But we’ve got a lot of talent, a lot of depth that can make up for that. And our guys did a good job of that tonight.”
Chef with the layyy. (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/w0V7NJ4Myp
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Up until Game 5, Curry knocked multiple triples down in 38 straight playoff games, including 132 games with at least one three made. Curry has made at least one three in 233 consecutive games between the regular season and postseason. The credit goes to Boston’s defense, wearing the two-time MVP with different defensive looks, and not allowing Curry to walk into his three-point attempts like he was able to in the previous four games.
🗣 “Warriors”
The energy from inside the Chase Center ⚡ pic.twitter.com/t0cgxUsRZF
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However, Golden State proved that they could win even if Curry weren’t playing at a superhero level. Andrew Wiggins scored a team-high 26 points and 13 rebounds, Klay Thompson finished with 21 points, and Jordan Poole contributed 14 points, including three to beat the third-quarter buzzer to steal the momentum going into the final frame.
“Steph is the best to ever shoot it — everyone in this building, including the fans and those watching, believe the ball is going in when it leaves his fingertips,” Thompson said.
“Steph is the best to ever shoot it… everyone in this building including the fans and those watching believe the ball is going in when it leaves his fingertips.”
Klay Thompson on Steph Curry’s shooting struggles in Game 5. pic.twitter.com/kAi9pn6spM
— NBA (@NBA) June 14, 2022
The Golden State Warriors are just one win away from claiming their first title since 2015. The Warriors’ 104-94 point win also snapped Boston’s 7-0 record after a loss.
