Stephen Curry Torches Grizzlies, Shows Why The Warriors are a True Title Contender

Everyone, as they say, is 0-0 when the playoffs start. As much stake as media, fans, and teams put in the regular season, all that truly matters once the postseason begins is what happens in the current series.

It doesn’t matter if a team is a one seed or an eighth seed, everyone starts at the same level.

That mentality was the core of LeBron’s Cavalier teams, who would coast into the playoffs with a mid-seed and then run the table all the way to the Finals.

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

It’s also how Jimmy Butler’s Heat managed to make deep playoff runs multiple times. It now happens to be why the league has to take the Warriors seriously.

Golden State has had an inconsistent season that’s put them firmly in the middle of the pack

They currently hold the fifth seed, but are only half a game above the seventh (which would force them to compete in the play-in game).

While it would be nice to get into the playoffs as a higher seed to play an easier first round opponent, that’s not the Warriors’ concern. As their Tuesday night game against the Grizzlies showed, all that matters is getting in.

Still the Best Shooter Alive

The Warriors went into Memphis on Tuesday with only one goal: get the win. Both teams are neck-and-neck in the playoff race, and there aren’t many contests left where teams can gain real ground.

The Grizzlies played hard, fought back from a deficit, and ran the floor well. Unfortunately for them, the Warriors have Stephen Curry.

The electric guard put on another one of his telltale shows during the game, exploding for an incredible 52 points. He made 12 three pointers, 16 field goals, and shot almost 50 percent from the floor.

Those numbers are impressive from all angles, showing just how dynamic of a threat he can be

Golden State came out strong against the Grizzlies. They were up by thirteen at the end of the first quarter and showed no signs of slowing down. However, their opponent had other ideas.

Memphis battled back to win the next two quarters and cut the lead to two.

At that point, the Warriors surged ahead and shut the door behind a strong final push to win the game 134-125.

Everyone on the team contributed, including Jimmy Butler and his 27 points, but it was clear that the Warriors would have no chance without Curry.

Leading the Charge

Curry’s scoring surge is critical for several reasons. First and foremost, it shows that the Warriors are capable of winning any game on any given night.

It doesn’t matter who they’re playing, all it takes is one hot hand for the team to turn it on.

That is why they are so dangerous in the postseason. Butler and Curry are two amazing players who work well together.

They also have plenty of playoff experience, are great leaders, and know how to operate when the lights get bright

If Golden State manages to stay above the play-in game, or even if they make the playoffs by going through the seventh or eighth seed, they are a threat that has the ability to run through all of the top teams in the Western Conference.

There are many strong squads in the west, but none of those squads have the gravity, aura, or firepower that Curry does.

Most of them also lack a number two who can match Butler’s resume

That’s why the Warriors have a shot at winning a title. It’s not because they’re the best team on the court every night, nor is it because they have the deepest bench.

Rather, it’s because their star player, at his best, can take down anyone in his way.

The Final Push

The Grizzlies game wasn’t the prettiest victory, especially from a defensive standpoint. Even so, it will serve as a valuable blueprint for the Warriors moving forward.

It showed how they need to battle in tough games, and what they need to do to come out on top.

While they won’t have to rely on Curry and Butler generating that much offense every night, there’s a strong chance they will need to lean on them at some point in the postseason.

The bench never got in the way, and they understand how to support their stars

Four players ended up in double digits, and Draymond Green ended up with a triple double.

Even if they didn’t hit the 10 mark, Brandin Podzeimski and Buddy Hield both had eight points, while Quentin Post added nine of his own.

It’s easy to see Curry’s stats and assume he was the only producer, but everyone contributed in one way or another.

The team was also down Jonathan Kuminga, who sat out with a pelvic injury. If they get him back for the postseason, and if everyone keeps up the hustle, the Warriors could well still be playing come June.